Thomas Vermaelen ready for Stoke City battle

Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen has claimed that he is ready for a "battle" against Stoke City this weekend.

The Gunners travel to the Britannia Stadium on Saturday to face Tony Pulis's notoriously physical team.

However, Vermaelen insists that he is prepared to fight for the win if necessary.

"If there is a battle, sometimes you have to fight back, but the main thing is to play our own game, with quick passing," he said. "That is the way to score."

"Of course we must fight for every ball but the main thing is to keep to our own game and score a lot of goals."

Robin van Persie came off the bench to score twice as Arsenal won the reverse fixture 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium back in October.