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 favourArsene Wenger has professed his love for Andrey Arshavin and believes the Russian can win Arsenal the north London derby.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.But Wenger shelled out £15million for Arshavin in February and has been in awe of his talent ever since.'Arshavin can change any game, anywhere at any moment so I believe he will have a great game tomorrow,' said Wenger.'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)."Wenger goes into Saturday lunchtime's match at Emirates Stadium with an almost exemplary record against Tottenham.The Frenchman's only defeat against Spurs since taking charge came in the 2008 Carling Cup semi-final.Both Robbie Keane and Ledley King have insisting their Spurs squad is stronger than Arsenal's. Ready for action: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is concentrating on the big matchBut Wenger insists he will not be drawn into any mind games and maintains his squad are focused on the match.'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.'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.'I believe that we are in a strong position in every competition we play in and for us it's a good opportunity.Back in contention: Manuel Almunia'I have a strong belief in them and I believe we have the wanted strengths to win the championship. '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.'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.Wenger looks set to replace Vito Mannone with Manuel Almunia in goal.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.Wenger revealed that Almunia, 32, is desperate to start.'A player who is on the bench wants to play, that is of course always the same,' said Wenger. '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.' 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