Wenger defends Arshavin

Arsene Wenger is not concerned about Andrey Arshavin's form, even if the Russian is.

Arshavin, 29, has endured an indifferent campaign and found himself questioning his own talent after some disappointing recent displays. Wenger, however, is in no doubt the midfielder, signed in a £15million deal from Zenit St Petersburg in the winter of 2009, will soon be firing on all cylinders again.

"I am not concerned about Andrey's form because if you look at the number of games he played, Andrey is too harsh with himself," said Wenger, who appears set to hand the Russian another chance to impress in Sunday's FA Cup fourth-round clash with npower League One side Huddersfield at the Emirates Stadium.

"If you look at the best passers in the Premier League, he is still up there.

"Even the other night he has given two assists against Ipswich.

"Andrey is not as consistent technically as we are used to because it is a lack of confidence and he is very harsh on himself."

Wenger added: "Sometimes we forget how good we are and more times when we are conscious of it.

"Andrey is at the moment in that position, so we have to remind him how good he is."