Arsenal defender Johan Djourou admitted that the Gunners “shot themselves in the foot” when they conceded against Stoke City, on Sunday.

Speaking to Arsenal Player after the 3-1 win against Tony Pulis’ men, the Switzerland International explained that the players knew that it was going to be a difficult game, needed to be strong defensively and do their job in the offensive department with the strong centre-back admitting that the defensive department should have done better when Peter Crouch scored the equalising goals.

The 24-year old added that the players discussed the conceded goal at half-time as they knew Stoke were dangerous from set-pieces yet they conceded a goal that they could have easily avoided had they kept their focus.

Full of praise for striker Robin van Persie and winger Gervinho, Djourou concluded by saying that all he wants is to enjoy regular football at Arsenal, regardless of the position, reason why he is ready to continue to play on the right, if required.

After the Stoke win, he said:

It was a very good three points. We knew it was going to be a very tough game with a very different style from Stoke.

We needed to stay strong defensively and do the job offensively – that’s what we did today. It was a very welcome three points.

I think we got surprised a little bit by the goal that they scored but apart from I think we controlled the game very well.

In the second half we played our game much better than in the first and I think it was just a matter of time until we scored.

Stoke were getting tired because we were moving the ball well, but the substitution for Robin was very welcome.

[The conceded goal?] We knew before the game that Stoke could trouble us with something like that. They did with that free-kick and we were caught cold.

We talked about it at half time and changed things around a little bit and then in the second half we didn’t have any more problems.

We shot ourselves in the foot a little bit and it shouldn’t happen but fortunately we won the game.

[Robin van Persie and Gervinho?] Robin did [make the difference]. It is under no question how important he is to the team.

I think Gervinho also had a great game today. He got two assists for Robin and the two combined very well together. It was a great sub by the boss.

[van Persie's goal record] is impressive and just shows you the kind of form he is in. We have to keep him like this, it is good.

He came on after being a rested a little bit and made the difference again. It shows you how important he is to the team.

[Playing at right back?] It’s OK. I just want to play! I love my sport, I love my football – whether that is playing centre back or right back if I have to. It is a pleasure, and with a win it is always a good thing.