Source: Daily_Mail
I love Arshavin, admits Arsenal boss Wenger (thankfully he didn't join Spurs)
Gunner be good: Andrey Arshavin is tipped as a star who can turn the derby in Arsenal's favour[LNB]Arsene Wenger has professed his love for Andrey Arshavin and believes the Russian can win Arsenal the north London derby.[LNB]The little wing wizard could have been lining up against the Gunners if Tottenham Hotspur had been able to agree a fee with Zenit St Petersburg last year.[LNB]But Wenger shelled out £15million for Arshavin in February and has been in awe of his talent ever since.[LNB]'Arshavin can change any game, anywhere at any moment so I believe he will have a great game tomorrow,' said Wenger.[LNB]'He is a player I love, not only because he is talented but because he is efficient. I am confident he will have a big impact on the game (against Spurs)."[LNB]Wenger goes into Saturday lunchtime's match at Emirates Stadium with an almost exemplary record against Tottenham.[LNB]The Frenchman's only defeat against Spurs since taking charge came in the 2008 Carling Cup semi-final.[LNB]Both Robbie Keane and Ledley King have insisting their Spurs squad is stronger than Arsenal's.[LNB] Ready for action: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is concentrating on the big match[LNB]But Wenger insists he will not be drawn into any mind games and maintains his squad are focused on the match.[LNB]'We want to win and the fact it is a derby gives us a little bit extra special motivation for everybody to win,' said Wenger, whose side sit one place above Spurs in the league table.[LNB]'But when the game starts it will be just down to the quality of the display no matter how much other psychological involvement there is in the game.[LNB]'I believe that we are in a strong position in every competition we play in and for us it's a good opportunity.[LNB]Back in contention: Manuel Almunia[LNB]'I have a strong belief in them and I believe we have the wanted strengths to win the championship. [LNB]'Don't forget that we have a game in hand, so the table doesn'treflect completely the reality and for us it's a good opportunity toget into a stronger position in the league and that's what we will tryto achieve.'[LNB]Wenger will be without Theo Walcott and TomasRosicky while Samir Nasri will start on the bench after making hisreturn to action from a broken leg in midweek.[LNB]Wenger looks set to replace Vito Mannone with Manuel Almunia in goal.[LNB]Almuniahas been available for Arsenal's last two matches since recovering froma chest infection but Wenger has chosen to stick with the 21-year-oldMannone.[LNB]Wenger revealed that Almunia, 32, is desperate to start.[LNB]'A player who is on the bench wants to play, that is of course always the same,' said Wenger. [LNB]'The job of a professional football player is to perform when he plays and when he doesn't play to do everything to play again.'[LNB] Greatest Arsenal v Tottenham matches remembered: We reveal four of the bestAdebayor warns former club Arsenal: Finish in top four or Cesc will leave Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp insists: We're ready to overtake our rivals Arsenal and be top dogs in north LondonJAMIE REDKNAPP AND ANDY TOWNSEND: You can't kid us, Robbie Keane: Spurs are on the march, but Arsenal are still top gunsARSENAL FC
