Arsenal are preparing for another physical battle when they take on Sparta Prague in the UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds.
The Gunners hold a 2-0 advantage ahead of their third qualifying round second-leg tie following a bruising first-leg victory in Czech Republic.
However, Arsenal expect that they will face another hard-fought encounter when they welcome Sparta to Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.
"Sparta were physical but to be honest I think we are a physical side when we need to be," said Gunners captain William Gallas, who will miss the match with a groin injury.
Mental blow
"We were against Fulham and again against Sparta. I said to the players that sometimes we are going to have to play a physical game - it depends on who we are playing."
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has supported his skipper's view.
"We know we have to keep on our toes," said Wenger. "But the second goal was certainly a mental blow for them.
"It was a very physical game. Sparta played with total commitment in the first half and stopped us from playing."