Confidence key to Arshavin revival

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes Andrey Arshavin's inconsistent form for the Gunners is down to the winger's lack of confidence, which the boss insists is on the turn.

The Russian's opportunities for the club have been more frequent this season, but having scored just one goal so far this term, the winner against Swansea City, Arshavin has failed to recapture his very best form.

Wenger, seemingly ready to give Arshavin a run in the team, hopes an end to rotation will bring the best out of the 30-year-old.

“I think he’s had a good start to the season,” said Wenger. “Gervinho was a little bit in front and he did very well, and he [Arshavin] is a bit in and out. Maybe you will see him tomorrow.

 

“I rotate more the strikers than anybody else and Andrey, you cannot fault.”

Gunners fans have only seen glimpses of Arshavin at the top of his game since his move to the club in 2009, with rare highlights being his four goals against Liverpool, and his winner against Barcelona last season, but Wenger hopes onlookers see him for who he really is in the coming weeks.

“There is a difference between the image that Andrey has and who he is really is,” Wenger added. “He is a very conscientious hard-worker in training.

“Sometimes he has an image a little bit of a non-caring person and that is not at all [the case]. He is 100 per cent a professional player.

“I think what he needs more is confidence. He had a difficult end of season last year and I believe since a few weeks now, he is in very good form.”