Arsenal defender Kolo Toure has rubbished claims that the team's defensive axis lacks the required height to keep out the giants of the Premier League.

The Gunners have already conceded three goals from corners this season - against Hull, Fulham and Bolton – and the defensive pairing of Toure and skipper William Gallas have come under fire from several quarters about their failure to deal with the league's taller and more imposing players at set-pieces.

However, Toure pointed to the all-conquering partnership between Franco Baresi and Fabio Cannavaro as the perfect riposte to suggestions that he and Gallas – who are both under 6ft tall – are too small to succeed at the top level.

"I remember the best defenders were Baresi and Cannavaro - you don't have to be really tall," said the Ivory Coast international.

"Baresi was not tall but he was a great player, while Cannavaro was the best defender in the world - hopefully I will be the same.

"When you consider set pieces it's not just the centre-backs, it's everybody who has to defend.

"But I've been playing for the club for seven years, I've played in a Champions League Final, won the Premier League, and I'm really confident about everything this season."

[Guardian-Series]

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