William Gallas says Arsenal's young team can handle the physical side of the Premiership.

The 29-year-old said: "The squad has matured, we have changed, we know we have to fight and to be compact to defend very well.

"I don't think a team can beat us by being more physical than us this season. I think we can give a good answer.

"There are teams that just want to play the long ball and you have to be ready. You have to be physical and to fight and I think we will be physical enough to cope with that this time."

With Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie showing promise and Eduardo da Silva arriving at the Emirates Stadium, Gallas is certain that Arsenal will remain an attacking force without Thierry Henry.

"We know we can score at any time because we have the quality up front," he added.

"I am very confident that the players we have will fill the gap.

"I think this season will be different and it won't just be about Chelsea and Manchester United.

"There are other clubs like Arsenal who will also be challenging and no-one can say who is definitely going to win the title."