The Gunners beat Lazio 2-1 in the opening match of the Amsterdam Tournament, where summer signing Eduardo da Silva headed in his first goal for the club after receiving his work permit earlier in the day.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is expected to name a much-strengthened side for the game against hosts Ajax on Saturday night.

Although this was a young side tonight, with Dane Nicklas Bendtner putting Arsenal ahead in the first half, it was a decent work-out against the Italians despite a few defensive concerns.

Senderos, 22, was named captain for the evening, and maintained the mood was positive.

"We had a lot of youngsters out there, and we did a tremendous job," the Swiss centre-back said.

"We wanted to show we can push on for the first team, and that is what we did.

"We have a lot of character and showed out there we are a good team."

Senderos maintains Arsenal can have an impact on the Barclays Premier League title race next season, even though they have sold the likes of Thierry Henry and Freddie Ljungberg.

Senderos said: "We want to be at the top, and are going to try our best this year.

"We do not mind being outsiders like everyone else thinks.

"We just want to play our own game and prove everyone else wrong."

Bendtner - loaned out to Birmingham last season - added to his goal against Paris St Germain in the Emirates Cup last weekend with a neat finish during the first half.

The Dane, 19, said: "The most important thing for me is that the team win.

"It is what you do on the pitch which matters, and we all work together really well.

"There are good players in my position, so it is going to be tough, but when I get my chance I am going to take it."

"Eduardo played well and celebrated his work permit very well today, and scored a goal," Wenger said.

"His integration in the team play was very good."

Regarding the work permit, Wenger said: "I felt we had a lot of good vibes because he is a regular player for the Croatia team and anyway in three months we will have the 75% (of national team games). We were confident but you never know."