Arsenal boss Wenger hoping for Andrey Arshavin to fire against Liverpool today
Arsenal boss Wenger hoping for Andrey Arshavin to fire against Liverpool today
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Arsene Wenger feels Andrey Arshavin can put a summer of disappointment behind him and help drive Arsenal on towards their first Premier League title since 2004.
The enigmatic midfielderu00a0-- signed from Zenit St Petersburg during January 2009u00a0-- was distraught after Russia failed to make the World Cup finals, suffering a shock defeat to Slovenia in the play-offs.
Arshavin's form and fitness suffered towards the end of the campaign, which Wenger puts down to the frustrations of not being able to showcase his talents on the biggest stage of all in South Africa.
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| Andrey Arshavin |
However, now the Gunners boss wants to see the 29-year-old at his very best as he prepares for a trip to Liverpool todayu00a0-- where Arshavin has scored five goals in his previous two appearances, including his side's four in an eight-goal thriller.
"It was a massive blow for him to go out of the World Cup with Russia, and he had an end of season which was disturbed by many injuries," said the Arsenal boss, who yesterday signed a new three-year extension to his contract.
What I expect from him is he remains completely fit, gives the team everythingu00a0-- with his creative side, he can be decisive, create chances and score goals, that is what you want from him."
Summer signing Laurent Koscielny is set for his Premier League debut in defence at Anfield. With Johan Djourou sidelined by a hamstring problem, Arsenal are lacking cover at centre-half following the departures of a few veterans.
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