Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna has revealed that his goal against Stoke City on Sunday was his way of saying thank you to his teammates following his recent injury troubles.

The Frenchman secured the Gunners victory at the weekend by adding the final goal during their 3-1 win over the Potters at the Emirates that helped them move to the top of the Premier League.

As well as repaying his team for the way they helped him during his time on the sidelines, Sagna insists that he wants to become more decisive on the field.

"I'm trying to be more decisive," Sagna told the club's official website. "[On Sunday] I tried my luck and it went in. I have to try and be more decisive for my team. It's like a gift for the team. When I was injured, they helped me a lot and as long as I can help them, it's good for me.

"It was a very hard game, very physical. We knew it was going to be played until the end of the game and the game was only decided in the second half. I think we just have the right behaviour on the pitch. We just give 100% and no matter what happens we keep going and looking forward.

"It's not easy and it's not going to be easy until the end of the season. But at least we're here to fight and today we showed some character again. We'll have to show it more and more. We're always together as a team. We show togetherness on the pitch. Even if Stoke had a few chances today, we were strong defensively and we managed to score the chances we created. It's good."

Arsenal travel to West Bromwich Albion in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday.