Source: Team_Talk
Wenger faith in 'dangerous' Arshavin
Arshavin came off the bench in the second half to net a late double in the final five minutes as the Gunners won 2-1 in the Emirates Cup.
Arshavin arrived in England from Zenit St Petersburg during the January transfer window, but could not play in the Champions League and took some time to settle before coming good over the closing stages of the campaign - which included a brilliant four-goal haul at Anfield.
While Wenger does not want to put too much extra pressure on the 28-year-old, he accepts Arshavin will be key to his squad's chances.
"The difference is now he knows how English football works," said the Arsenal manager.
"He knows as well he is part of the team from the start, and the team knows how important and how big an impact he can have on the results.
"Arshavin has what you cannot give to a player - he understands when there is an opportunity in the final third, and is certainly dangerous."
There was also a welcome home return for Czech winger Tomas Rosicky, who had been out of action for some 18 months with a string of niggling injuries - and his availability for the build-up to the new campaign will be welcome boost following the loss of Samir Nasri to a broken leg.
"I am pleased, but cautious," Wenger said.
"I am not a dreamer. If he gets through the next two months without set-backs, then we have won the battle, but it is not won yet."
Teenager Jack Wilshere was introduced at half-time and impressed enough to pick up the man of the match award.
The 17-year-old is set to challenge for a place in Wenger's first-team squad.
"He has matured, and compared to one year ago he has more power to take people on. That shows there is big potential there and makes him much more dangerous," said the Arsenal boss.
"At that age, unfortunately patience is not the first quality, but he is at a big club and has a chance to compete at the top level.
"We have to manage that well, the desire and the opportunity to play."
Wenger could well strengthen his squad ahead of the new season, with former captain Patrick Vieira said to be keen on a return to his old club, while Real Madrid striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar is another said to be on the Gunners boss' wanted list.
Any deals, though, will be done before Arsenal's final pre-season game, away to Valencia next Saturday.
"I will be looking at all the options we have during the week, and then we close," said Wenger, who ruled out Fiorentina target Emmanuel Eboue leaving.
"I believe we have quite a strong squad now. If we can add one or two players, we will do it, but not more."
Arsenal play Rangers on Sunday, with the Scottish champions having beaten Paris St Germain in the Emirates Cup opening game.
"Our target is to now find a good balance with the offensive players we have, and that is why we could afford to let a striker go," said Wenger.
"We want to prepare seriously, because we have a strong start to the season - we play Everton, Manchester City and Manchester United away in the first few weeks.
"We are cautious, but determined to do well. We are highly motivated and focused, which is a good basis."
Madrid coach Abel Resino felt the match served as decent preparation ahead of the Champions League play-off - which could be against the Gunners.
"The most important thing is the team played well with a good attitude," he said.
"We made a few changes and it has been a very positive test.
"We are uncovering new players in the team, from the youth system, and know more things after this match.
"We had a few chances in the second half, and a draw would have been a fairer result."
