Gibbs praises Arsenal character & sets sights on next season

After winning eight of their last ten Premier League games the Gunners claimed the final Champions League spot and the defender is hoping the run will go on in 2013-14

Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs believes the Gunners’ superb end-of-season form will make them stronger next term.

Arsene Wenger’s side went unbeaten in their last 10 Premier League games, winning eight of them, securing Champions League football for another season as they pipped local rivals Tottenham to the all-important fourth place.

While Gibbs admits their campaign could have been better, he has been impressed with the way they turned things around, especially with a number of new faces in the squad.

"We would have liked to have had a better season, but I think overall you have to be happy with the way the team got back together after December and showed real character, yet again, to come back and finish where we want to be," he told The Evening Standard.

"We were a new-look side for another season, again, with new signings that have had to come in and step up.

"It is never easy to just come straight into the Premier League and perform like some of our good players have.

"In the end, there was a combination of us needing to realise what we wanted from the season and the players starting to get to know each other more. As time went on, we started to gel.

"That was important and it puts us in good stead for next season because I believe the team have gelled because of this.

"The dramatic finale makes us even stronger and we are going into next season head on."

The 23-year-old has been an integral part of the Gunners side this season, despite competition from January signing Nacho Monreal, but he wants to see an improved challenge from the club in all competitions next season as they aim to halt a run of eight years without a trophy.

"We haven't shown it consistently enough in the cups and the league, but you have seen many glimpses of what the team are capable of," he added.

"We have to focus on every detail to give ourselves the best chance to produce something because we are desperate to win a trophy."