Source: Telegraph
Arsene Wenger relieved as Andrei Arshavin offers Arsenal hope
Arsenal have been subjected to strong criticism after a dismal run of three defeats against Sunderland, Chelsea and Manchester City, all inflicted without the Gunners managing a single goal in response. But his team were back to their creative ways with Andrei Arshavin offering the prospect he could solve Arsenal's striking problems. "It was needed," Wenger said. "You could see there were some times when the recent run was playing on our mind. It's a relief for the team. I want us to be successful and we had big disappointments recently in the league. They were difficult to take. Related ArticlesArsene Wenger hits out at Mark Hughes's conductArsene Wenger: no regrets over Hughes rowArsenal players too short, says Andrei ArshavinRobin van Persie surgery 'went well': WengerArsenal lose Theo Walcott for Stoke match"Had we not won, you could question whether we had been mentally affected but winning this game was important for us." The day was not entirely without blemish for Arsenal. Tomas Rosicky, the Czech Republic international, failed to re-emerge for the second half after suffering a groin injury which is likely to keep him out for around three weeks. Rosicky joins Nicklas Bendtner, Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott and Eduardo on the list of Arsenal forwards sidelined with fitness problems and the Frenchman admitted he will have little choice but to field his youngest ever team in the Champions League for Wednesday's meeting with Olympiakos. The consolation for Wenger is that nothing hinges on the trip to Greece - Arsenal having secured top place in their qualifying group with victory over Standard Liege a fortnight ago. "When we missed the penalty I thought it would be one of those days," Wenger added. "When you play Stoke, they are well organised, mentally strong and they don't need many chances to score. "They take advantage of the mistakes you make through throws and set-pieces. But, in the end, we got the second goal and that killed the game."