Source: Team_Talk
Theo must keep it going - Arshavin
Andrey Arshavin has told Arsenal team-mate Theo Walcott to maintain his high standards after his dazzling hat-trick against Blackpool.[LNB] Despite producing what many believe was his best performance in an Arsenal shirt as the Gunners thrashed the Premier League minnows 6-0, Walcott has not won over all of his doubters.[LNB]Walcott was omitted from England's World Cup squad this summer after a disappointing season which led many to question aspects of his game, particularly his decision making.[LNB]But Arshavin believes that such is the 21-year-old's potential, a good campaign from him this time around could lead the Gunners to silverware.[LNB]"With his quality, he must play like this every game and we expect him to play like this," the Russian told talkSPORT.[LNB]"I think he will help and and if he scores in every game we will win [the Premier League] for sure."[LNB]Fellow midfielder Tomas Rosicky claims the best way for Walcott to maintain his form is by continuing to ignore his critics.[LNB]He witnessed at first hand Walcott demonstrate his true potential on Saturday and believes he did so because he played with a smile.[LNB]"I just hope he will not play football to answer his critics or something," Rosicky told talkSPORT.[LNB]"I think the best way is to go out and enjoy his football - that's always what worked for me.[LNB]"Let's go out and enjoy the game and I think he enjoyed it [against Blackpool]."[LNB]Another vital element to Arsenal's ambitions is Cesc Fabregas, who once again remained in north London this summer despite intense interest from Barcelona.[LNB]Arshavin said: "I think for everyone at Arsenal it's a big boost and everyone is happy he stays with us.[LNB]"[But] I did not think about him a lot because he must decide himself - it's his life."[LNB]Arshavin believes the Premier League remains as strong as ever and sees its four representatives, including north London rivals Tottenham, as among only six teams who can become European champions this year - despite Inter Milan's success last time around.[LNB]"It was by chance because Inter had [Jose] Mourinho and, of course, they deserved to win," he said.[LNB]"But I see now only six teams can win - four from England and two from Spain [Real Madrid and Barcelona]."[LNB]Saturday saw Czech Republic international Rosicky make his first competitive start since April.[LNB]The 29-year-old's recent Arsenal career has been blighted by hamstring and knee injuries and he believes a full pre-season will help him get back on track this term.[LNB]Rosicky said: "That was always what I was missing.[LNB]"I've completed a whole pre-season, I've got a good base, I feel well and hope that will continue."[LNB]Having made an impressive start to the season with a draw at Liverpool and Saturday's thumping victory, Arsenal lie second in the fledgling Premier League table.[LNB]Next up is this weekend's trip to Blackburn and, although the new campaign is only just under way, Rosicky claims the Gunners must win at Ewood Park if they are to challenge for the title.[LNB]"Last season, I think we lost there," he said.[LNB]"We know it will be a completely different game but if you want to be title contenders - which I think we are - we have to win there."[LNB]Arsenal are close to tying up a move for France defender Sebastien Squillaci.[LNB]The 30-year-old was in London for a medical after the Gunners agreed a fee with Sevilla on Sunday night, and an announcement of the deal's completion was expected either on Monday night or on Tuesday.
