Arsenal fullback Kieran Gibbs admits he's excited about their chances this season following victory over Stoke City.

The defender believes the Gunners have gelled much more since going on a 10-game unbeaten run at the end of last season.

"I think the team is just gelling," said Gibbs. "We've had a strong finish to last season and people could see the players really gel. I think that's happening this season at an earlier stage.

"I'm very excited about the quality of the squad and when we get more players back from injury I feel like we'll be a force. We need to keep focused and build on our run. I'm sure we can be contenders."