Source: Team_Talk
Arshavin fires warning to Blackburn
Andrey Arshavin has warned Blackburn that Arsenal will arrive at Ewood Park on Saturday looking for revenge ahead of the international break.[LNB] The Gunners - who look to be closing in on the £6million signing of experienced French defender Sebastien Squillaci from Sevilla - suffered a 2-1 defeat to Rovers in early May, having just seen any lingering hopes of staying in the title race brought to an abrupt end after losses at Tottenham and Wigan.[LNB]Afterwards, manager Arsene Wenger accused Sam Allardyce's men of unfair tactics in showing "no purpose to play the ball" and also blamed referee Martin Atkinson for not providing his team with more protection.[LNB]It was not the first time the Gunners have come unstuck against such an approach - although they had thumped Rovers 4-0 in the same fixture two seasons ago.[LNB]Saturday's lunchtime kick-off is set to provide another test of character for a team Wenger believes can finally come of age this season, having thrashed Blackpool 6-0 last weekend to build on their point at Liverpool.[LNB]Arshavin, who opened his account with a penalty against the Tangerines, feels victory at Ewood Park would serve a double purpose heading into the international break.[LNB]"We have a very important game against Blackburn," the Russian told his personal website.[LNB]"We should win in order to leave without any worries for a break caused by the participation of the players in the national teams, this will give confidence to the team.[LNB]"In addition, we haven't forgotten about the defeat against Blackburn at the end of the last season."[LNB]Arshavin shares his manager's beliefs the current squad have learnt some hard lessons from last season in which they failed to produce big performances when it mattered most.[LNB]"I think all the young players have become, not old, but they have experience now," Arshavin said on Sky Sports News.[LNB]"Arsene works with them for a long time and that's why he knows them better and he knows what to expect during the season from the players.[LNB]"It gives me belief that we can get something this year.[LNB]"My opinion is, if you look at the points on last season's table, we were close, but then we met Chelsea and Manchester United and they beat us very easily.[LNB]"I would like to see this season that we will manage to fight against big teams."
