Source: Team_Talk
Wenger expects Arshavin to fire
Arsene Wenger feels Andrey Arshavin can put a summer of disappointment behind him and help drive Arsenal towards their first title since 2004.[LNB] The enigmatic midfielder - signed from Zenit St Petersburg during January 2009 - was distraught after Russia failed to make the World Cup finals, suffering a shock defeat to Slovenia in the play-offs.[LNB]Arshavin's form and fitness suffered towards the end of the campaign, which Wenger puts down to the frustrations of not being able to showcase his talents on the biggest stage of all in South Africa.[LNB]However, now the Gunners boss wants to see the 29-year-old at his very best as he prepares for a trip to Liverpool - where Arshavin has scored five goals in his previous two appearances, including his side's four in an eight-goal thriller.[LNB]"It was a massive blow for him to go out of the World Cup with Russia, and he had an end of season which was disturbed by many injuries," said the Arsenal boss, who has signed a new three-year extension to his contract.[LNB]"What I expect from him is he remains completely fit, gives the team everything - with his creative side, he can be decisive, create chances and score goals, that is what you want from him."[LNB]Summer signing Laurent Koscielny is set for his Premier League debut in defence at Anfield. With Johan Djourou sidelined by a hamstring problem, Arsenal are lacking cover at centre-half following the departures of veterans Sol Campbell, William Gallas and Mikael Silvestre at the end of their contracts.[LNB]Wenger has been linked with a number of players, including Everton's Phil Jagielka, Bosnia captain Emir Spahic, Stuttgart defender Serdar Tasci and German international Per Mertesacker.[LNB]The Gunners boss is also said to be on the lookout for a new keeper, with Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer set on a move across London despite Arsenal having a £2million bid rejected earlier in the summer.[LNB]Wenger, though, will go with what he has at Anfield.[LNB]"We are looking around, but at the moment nothing will happen before the match, so it will be Koscielny and Vermaelen who will start," Wenger said.[LNB]"What is important for us is to focus on what we have, make a good result on Sunday and then we will see if we still bring some players in or not."[LNB]Wenger - who looks set to agree a new deal to extend his contract - believes the Gunners have uinished business in the title race, having failed to last the course last term.[LNB]"We have a little bit of a sour taste, because at the beginning of April we were two points behind the leaders and then dropped some points," he said.[LNB]"This team gave a lot last year, but we want to improve from that and I believe we can."[LNB]Wenger told Arsenal TV Online: "I am hopeful we can continue our progress, we have kept our captain and overall the team has improved since two years ago.[LNB]"Liverpool is a good opportunity to show we are ready to fight for the Premier League. You know you will go into a game where maximum concentration will be demanded.[LNB]"We must concentrate on our own performance, what is in our own hands.[LNB]"We are encouraged by a good pre-season and so it is important we go there with the needed belief and fire on all cylinders."[LNB]Despite Manchester City's summer spending spree, Wenger believes the top two will again be the teams to beat.[LNB]"Having seen the Charity Shield, you expect Manchester United and Chelsea to be in there again, but it could be a race between six or seven teams," he said.[LNB]"It is important to be consistent, to win the big games, to start strong and get the needed confidence.[LNB]"You could say we have an advantage because we know each other well and how we want to play."[LNB]World Cup finalists Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie might be involved tomorrow if judged fully match-fit, while summer signing Marouane Chamakh, who could have joined Liverpool, is expected to make his debut after a free transfer from Bordeaux.
