Toure says he was 'scared' to play Hull

Arsenal defender Kolo Toure has revealed he was 'scared' about playing Hull City before the Gunners' defeat to the Premier League newcomers at the weekend.

The centre-back claimed that matches against the lesser lights of the league are harder matches simply because the expection is there to win and to win well. And for that reason he believes players at the top clubs go into the games with trepidation.

The Tigers pulled off one of the shocks of the season by coming back from behind to win 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium, a result which boss Arsene Wenger said made him 'feel sick'.

Now Arsenal must look to bounce back from that disappointment tonight when they entertain FC Porto in the Champions League.

"I was scared to play the game," said the Ivory Coast international.

"Sometimes people, not the players, play the game before it's started and that's a problem because there are no small teams in the Premiership.

"Against Man United everybody thinks it's going to be a tight game but when you play against Hull it's harder because you are expected to win and score in the first minute.

"But it doesn't happen like that. I was scared against Hull because there are no easy games.

"We are professional players and when we go out we want to play well and win.