Football: Carling Cup Semi-Final Arsenal 3, Ipswich 1

Published: 27 January, 2011
by RICHARD OSLEY

I’ll bounce back, says Arshavin

OUT-OF-FORM midfielder Andrey Arshavin has admitted he is not happy with his recent displays for Arsenal.

The Russian has not made the most of first team opportunities handed to him by Arsene Wenger and irritated fans by missing chances against Leeds in the FA Cup and Ipswich in the Carling Cup.

But after helping the Gunners book a place in the Carling Cup final on Tuesday – Arsenal finally overcoming Ipswich 3-1 on aggregate with a win at the Emirates – Arshavin vowed to improve.

He said: “I’m not happy with how I’m playing and I feel that I’m making mistakes that I shouldn’t be, not giving good passes and losing a lot of balls.”

His honesty will be refreshing to supporters who know that the man who once scored four goals in a game away at Liverpool can do better.

“It’s hard to give reasons but I am working hard to get back to my best and I’m confident it will come.

“Maybe I had one period like this back at Zenit St Petersburg but it was a bit shorter. I can’t complain when the team is doing this well though, our recent form in the league has been excellent.”

Meanwhile captain Cesc Fabregas has shown an extra interest in the Carling Cup. He has rarely featured in the competition in the past due to its lowly position in Wenger’s list of priorities. But on Tuesday he described the semi-final as a “big night” and insisted: “These are the occasions you want to play in.”