Monk: We'll have to be at our best

Garry Monk insists his side will have to be at their very best on Saturday as in-form Arsenal visit the Liberty Stadium (3pm).

Arsene Wenger's men arrive in SA1 in a rich vein of form following four straight league wins that have moved them joint top of the Barclays Premier League.

The Swans, meanwhile, saw their unbeaten home record come to end a fortnight ago following a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Stoke, but Monk's side have enjoyed their battles with Arsenal in the top flight.

In eight league meetings, Swansea have won four - including last season's double over the Gunners - while they have failed to score in just two of those eight fixtures.

"They have had a fantastic start to the season," said Monk. "They have an excellent squad full of world-class talent and they are definite title contenders.

"We've had some good games against them in recent years and had two good results against them last season.

"We know that when we are at our best we can give anyone a game in this league and we'll need to be at that level on Saturday. If we do that we are in with a chance of getting the result we want."

The Swans ended a run of five games without a win last Saturday as they came from behind to seal a 2-1 victory against Aston Villa.

That win saw Monk's men move on to 13 points from ten games played and a win on Saturday could see Swansea propel themselves back into the top half of the table.

"There are no easy games in the Premier League," said Monk. "Of course you want to play at your best, but when you don't its still important to pick up points.

"Each team will have a period where they will suffer and its about how you deal with that. Winning games obviously breeds confidence but this group is very strong.

"Our effort and commitment is always there and its about continuing to do the right things and working hard on the training ground."