Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny knows the importance of continuing the momentum picked up by Arsenal after a 2-0 win over Liverpool, despite being sandwiched by a two-week international break.
The Gunners have not conceded a single goal all season and Koscielny wants more of the same from his Arsenal side, when they take on Southampton Saturday.
"We didn't lose and we didn't concede any goals so it is good," Koscielny told the club's official website. "We have played well, we have had good movement and some opportunities to score.
"For the first two games we played well but didn't score. Against Liverpool we played with determination and scored two goals from Santi (Cazorla) and (Lukas) Poldi (Podolski), so we are very happy with this start.
"This is just the start of the season, so we will try to continue. We now have a long period where we play every three days so it is difficult. But we have a big group with players of quality, which is important.
"It is important after the international break to start stronger and focus on the game against Southampton to start this period well. Afterwards we have some difficult games against Montpellier, Manchester City and Chelsea so we want to play well and win."
Koscielny has been impressed by Southampton's performances so far, and believes their style of play will suit Arsenal. "I saw the games against Manchester City and Manchester United, and they try to play football," the French international said. "It is good for us, because it is better to play against a team who play like us.
"All games are difficult but it is at home so we want to (make sure) we win the game. We have the quality to score and win this game, so we are focused on this match."
Meanwhile, captain Thomas Vermaelen has backed new signing Olivier Giroud to score his first goal in Arsenal colors against the Saints. "I'm convinced Olivier will be off the mark soon," Vermaelen told the official Matchday Program. "It's not as if he has had an easy start -- he didn't get much time against Sunderland, and then played in two tough away games.
"He won a lot of duels in those matches, and it's a vital quality when you're away from home -- if we don't see a solution, we can sometimes play a longer ball to him in the knowledge that he works hard and is strong in the air.
"He's made some good runs and has been a bit unfortunate not to score so far, but he's got into the positions so I'm not worried about him at all. The goals will come."
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
