However, despite being acutely aware of the need for his side not to be outmuscled again by Tony Pulis’ men, Wenger believes if his team play to their own strengths, then the Gunners can get the victory needed to stay on track for third place.

“We have to combat in the air because with (Peter) Crouch up front, he is technically good, he can bring other people in, but as well we cannot forget to put the ball down and play our game,” Wenger said.

“We are ready to win. If you think are we ready to win petty, it depends what you call petty, but we will be faithful to the way we play football, that is for sure.
“We will not compete with Stoke playing an unusual game, we can only win if we play our game.”u00a0