Johan Djourou is warning the rest of the Premier League to expect a much tougher and more aggressive Arsenal side next season.
The Gunners paid the price for a number of defensive lapses in their chase for the title last term but Djourou is confident it will be a different story this time around.
41 goals were scored against Arsenal last season - nine more than champions Chelsea and some 13 extra than Manchester United.
The Swiss international, who is on his way back from a long-term knee injury, is anxious to do his bit to make the Gunners more water-tight after only appearing in one game during the previous campaign.
"It is true that 41 goals is too much when you are playing for the top places," the defender told the club's official website.
"I think sometimes we are missing a bit of aggression.
"It is not that we are not good enough, because the team is good enough.
"We have top players at the back, top players all over the pitch. It is just that we have to be stronger as a unit."
The 23-year-old, though, is ready for the challenges ahead as he looks to battle summer signing Laurent Koscielny alongside Thomas Vermaelen at the heart of the Gunners defence.
"Now it is time to step up and start," Djourou declared.
"I will always say that, but now I am mature enough.
"We will have to see with the injury because when you have it for so long it is difficult to come straight back into things.
"But I played 90 minutes against Strum Graz and it went well.
"I have to get other games under my belt and hopefully I will be ready."
From clubcall.com
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