Toure: Height no issue

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• Kolo Toure

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Arsenal centre-back Kolo Toure has rejected claims that he and William Gallas lack the height to succeed as a defensive pairing.

The Gunners have struggled during the early stages of the season, dropping eight Premier League points from seven games.

Three of the five league goals Arsenal have conceded this campaign have come from set-pieces.

This has lead to question marks over the club's ability to defend the aerial ball, with Toure and Gallas' partnership criticised.

Neither of the duo is over 6ft in height, but Toure has drawn parallels with Italian legends Fabio Cannavaro and Franco Baresi, both of whom are under 5ft 10in.

The best

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

"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 the 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 UEFA Champions League final, won the Premier League and I'm really confident about everything this season."