Andrey Arshavin maintains Arsenal must improve as a defensive unit -
and until that happens, Arsene Wenger's men just have to score more
than they let in.
- Arsenal v Partizan Belgrade LIVE from 7.45pmThe Gunners went top of the Barclays Premier League with a 2-1
victory over Fulham on Saturday.
However, it was anything but a convincing rearguard display from
Wenger's men, who are without injured centre-back Thomas Vermaelen
until the New Year.
Arsenal have been criticised for an apparent soft backline this
season, which saw them beaten in their last two Champions League away
games to leave qualification for the knockout stage dependant on
beating Group H whipping Partizan Belgrade at Emirates Stadium tomorrow
night.
Arshavin, who has six goals so far, believes the Gunners need to
tighten up if they are to push on and have a successful campaign.
"We struggle all the time in defence. We have to score more than we concede. That's it," said the Russian.
"It is very frustrating. We are trying to improve, but we can't. We
don't just blame our defenders. Sometimes I can't run, and let
defenders cross so the forwards score a goal.
"It doesn't always depend on defenders. As a team we need to improve defensively."
Arshavin believes while Arsenal have blown their chances of
finishing top of the group to secure seeding for the knockout stage,
the Gunners should not fear anybody.
"I think we have no chance of topping the group," he said.
"It is disappointing, but we always knew Shakhtar and Braga were
good teams, especially at home. Unfortunately they showed that against
us.
"We will get a difficult draw, but Arsenal want to win the
Champions League and if you want to win it you have to play the best
teams, like Barcelona and Real Madrid.
"It doesn't matter if it's in the last 16, quarter-finals or semi-finals."
Centre-back Laurent Koscielny has been given the all-clear to
feature after a head injury.
However, fellow defender Johan Djourou (thigh) will be rested and
Emmanuel Eboue comes back into the squad after missing the win over
Fulham to protect his recent knee problem.
Captain Cesc Fabregas (hamstring) remains out, along with Vermaelen
(Achilles), Abou Diaby (ankle) and goalkeeper Manuel Almunia (elbow).
Source: DSG