Koscielny makes case for defence

ARSENAL defender Laurent Koscielny has promised there is plenty more to come from his partnership with Per Mertesacker.

With Thomas Vermaelen a long-term injury absentee, the pair have a chance to forge a partnership at the heart of Arsene Wenger's back line and Koscielny (above) feels the signs are positive.

The Frenchman has not always cut a confident figure since his arrival from Lorient last year, while Mertesacker -- a deadline day signing from Werder Bremen -- still has questions to answer over his lack of pace.

But, since Koscielny's return to full fitness they have teamed up for back-to-back victories and are eyeing a third when Stoke visit the Emirates on Sunday.

Koscielny, for one, is happy with how their understanding is developing.

"Personally, things are getting better and better with Per," he said.

"He is a very experienced player. We know that the English league is very different than the other European leagues and there is always time to adapt. Soon he will become a key player in this team."

Wales captain Aaron Ramsey was the scorer of the only goal against Marseille on Wednesday, a 92nd-minute winner that left the Gunners top of their Champions League group. He acknowledges his side's domestic form has not been as strong -- they lie 10th -- but Ramsey is hoping to put that right in the coming weeks.

"We haven't had the greatest of starts but, hopefully, we've turned the corner," said the midfielder.

"We've done well in Europe so far so we just want to keep the momentum going in the league."