Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger feels Stoke City have stepped up a level this season with the signing of Peter Crouch from Tottenham.

Wenger still expects a tough test tomorrow against the notoriously physical Stoke City.

He said: "They are a good team, especially offensively, and they are dangerous. They have Pennant, Etherington, Walters, Crouch, Jerome and Jones. So, overall, they have huge potential.

"They are always difficult to beat because the back four is stable and doesn't push forward too much.

"They go for a more direct game, that's why it is hard to get them out of position.

"But at home we have always done well against them and that is what we want to continue to do.

"Peter Crouch signing means that financially they have moved up. Financially they have made a big effort. That means now they are in a different category of clubs."