Stoke City vs. Arsenal: 5 Keys to a Gunners Victory

Arsenal take on their antithesis in the form of Stoke City, at a ground that has been brutally unkind to them in the last three seasons. The Gunners have won only one fixture at the Britannia Stadium, and that victory came at a heavy cost, as Aaron Ramsey suffered a broken leg.

Make no mistake, Arsenal have simply been bullied by a robust Stoke team quite prepared to rough them up and then act aghast when chided for their overly aggressive tactics. Arsene Wenger's team have failed miserably to cope with the treatment they have received in the Potteries.

That's not good news entering such an important fixture. The Gunners have to win on Saturday to fend off the challenge to their top-four status from Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Both will be very confident that Arsenal will still be unable to shake their jinx at the Britannia Stadium.

Here are five keys to Arsenal getting over their Stoke problem and recording a hugely significant victory.

1. Exploit the Pace Advantage Through the Middle

The most important thing for Arsenal is to press home their natural advantage in pace. The Gunners are quicker in every area than the Potters and the best way to exploit this edge is to attack through the middle.

Arsenal have to feed a regular supply passes through the central gaps in the Stoke defensive lines. The pace of the Gunners forward line can cause havoc against a back four as cumbersome and rash as the Stoke defense.

Robin van Persie has the deceptive quickness to capitalise on the plodding style of Stoke central defenders Ryan Shawcross and Robert Huth. However, he needs the right kind of supply and that means quick exchanges and through passes along the ground.

2. Start Gervinho

This has to be a game for Ivory Coast forward Gervinho. The ex-Lille man has largely been a disappointment in the second half of the campaign but has the directness and ball skills to frequently outwit the cumbersome Stoke defense.

Gervinho's drop in form has been alarming, after a positive start to life at Arsenal. His confidence and decision making deserted him long before Africa Cup of Nations duty.

Since his return, he has barely been used at all. However, he showed some promise when he entered the fray last week against Chelsea, and he victimised Stoke at the Emirates Stadium back in October.

Gervinho scored the opener and provided the pass for two more goals in a 3-1 win. He certainly has the pace trickery to torment the City back line and must be deployed from the start.

This is no time to indulge the hype surrounding Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Gervinho is Arsenal's best route to goal against the Potters.

3. Stay Disciplined Defensively Against the Aerial Assault

It's inevitable that Arsenal will face an aerial bombardment against Stoke. Their ability to stay disciplined and composed in the face of the torrent of high balls they will face will determine who takes the three points.

As much as Stoke can be criticised for their overly aggressive approach, they don't deserve similar judgement for their reliance on power in the air. It is the way their team has been constructed, and therefore, it makes perfect sense to play to that strength.

It is up to Arsenal to be technically sound in attempting to repel this approach. That means one up, one behind and concentrating everything on defending the second ball.

Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscielny can't worry about winning the first header. The crucial part will be winning the ball after the knock down. Vermaelen can play a key role in marshaling the defense and must ensure positioning is sound across the back four.

4. Push Alex Song Forwards

Arsenal have to allow Alex Song to push forward and carry the fight to Stoke. In Arsenal's 3-1 win at the Britannia Stadium in February 2010, it was Song's runs forward from deep which gave Arsenal the impetus and kept Stoke on their heels.

The Cameroon star should be give the same license to roam this time, even if it means playing Abou Diaby out of position as the defensive anchor in midfield. Song has the power, skill and flair to take the game to Stoke and force openings in the attacking third.

It is pointless having him sit deep against a City side often content to string bodies all across the midfield and force Arsenal's play sideways. If Song can have an impact early, expect goals from Arsenal.

5. Don't Get Distracted from Playing Natural, Attacking Game

Stoke's often merciless approach to this fixture aside, the onus remains on Arsenal to stay faithful to the principles of their own game. That means passing the ball quickly and with confidence.

Last season's 3-1 defeat at Stoke was one the drabbest performances seen from Arsenal under Wenger. The Gunners were clueless on the day and only managed to slowly pass the ball aimlessly from side to side.

That played right into the hands of Tony Pulis's team. As much as possible, Arsenal need to keep the ball moving forward this time. Their distribution must be daring and decisive.

This is the game to attempt the clever through pass and emphasise flair and creativity. Arsenal have a pace and skill advantage but must stay bold and inventive enough to make it count.

It's Time for Arsenal to Impose Themselves at Stoke or Risk Their Season

Arsenal have to overcome the physicality and cynicism they have often been subjected to at the Britannia Stadium. Failure to do so will put the Gunners' season at risk.

With Newcastle and Tottenham both playing fixtures against relegation-threatened opponents, more dropped points from Arsenal could be disastrous to their top four hopes. This danger is compounded by the prospect of Chelsea winning the UEFA Champions League.

The omens are not good, given the Gunners' hardships away to Stoke. City's form means nothing, as they have well and truly had Arsenal's number in this particular fixture. Arsenal simply cannot afford another limp surrender.