Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger feels there is still more to come from Gervinho

The Gunners saw their Ivorian forward lead from the front against Reading on Saturday, as he broke the deadlock in a comfortable 4-1 success.

He also provided two assists at the Emirates as he put in arguably his best performance for the club to date.

Wenger was not surprised by the standard of Gervinho's showing and believes there is the promise of more to come from a man who needs to have greater belief in his own ability.

"Honestly, he is not a clinical finisher," said the French tactician.

"When he is completely relaxed, he's quite good.

"He rushes his finishing because when he arrives in front of the goal he wants to get rid of it.

"The big goalscorers just pass it in and that's what he has to learn."

Wenger added on a man who went 14 games without a goal at one stage this season: "My worry was he played in front of a negative atmosphere here so you always persist to give him confidence again.

"In training, he finishes well. Better than when he arrived.

"It will get better. His finishing is linked with his psychology. He wants to do well. He loves football. He is a hard worker."

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Premier League: Gervinho inspires Arsenal to 4-1 win over Reading

The Ivorian scored the opener and set up two more as the Gunners gave their hopes of a top-four place a real boost.

The defeat for Reading meanwhile was a sixth on the spin and leaves new boss Nigel Adkins with a mountain to climb if he is to lift his side out of trouble.

The Gunners were on top from the outset and made the perfect start on 11 minutes, Gervinho tapping home Santi Cazorla's cross-shot from close range to finish a move he had started on the right wing.

Arsenal thought they had won a penalty when onrushing Reading goalkeeper Stuart Taylor clattered Olivier Giroud in the area on 18 minutes, only for referee Chris Foy to wave play on.

Arsene Wenger's men were utterly dominant in the first 45 but could not find a second, the best chance coming when Cazorla drilled just wide of the left-hand post from inside the area.

Adkins will have been relieved to have got in at half-time at just 1-0, but whatever he said at the break went out of the window three minutes into the second period.

Reading again failed to close Arsenal down, allowing Gervinho to lay it off to the excellent Cazorla, who coolly stroked the ball home from the edge of the area.

Gervinho again had a role in the third on 67 minutes, collecting the ball on the halfway line after Reading made a mess of their own corner, striding forward and laying it off to Giroud who drilled low first time beyond Taylor.

Reading gave themselves hope just a minute later, Jobi McAnuff's teasing cross from the left converted at the far post by Hal Robson-Kanu.

That hope was quickly snuffed out though when substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was tripped in the area 13 minutes from time, allowing Mikel Arteta to slot home from the spot.

Aaron Ramsey and Per Mertesacker both had late chances to make it five, as Arsenal closed out one of their easiest victories of the season.

Speaking after the match, Wenger was full of praise for Gervinho, who was starting his first Premier League game since December.

"He is what you want from a striker, dangerous, he scored and gave assists," said Wenger. "The only regret is that he had a few more chances to score, but you cannot fault his performance today, he was absolutely outstanding."

Reading boss Adkins is keen to move on from defeat in his first game, with his former club Southampton his new team's opponents next weekend.

Adkins said: "We'll analyse the game, we'll learn the lessons from it, debrief it on Monday and Tuesday and then we'll get ourselves ready for the next game, I think that is the most important thing we've got to go and do now."

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Wenger expects top-four spot

The Gunners chalked up a sixth win in their last eight Premier League games when they saw off relegation battlers Reading 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium in what was Nigel Adkins' first match in charge of the visitors.

With Chelsea losing at Southampton, the Gunners are now just two points behind the Blues, and four off third-placed Tottenham - on whom they hold a game in hand.

There are bound to be plenty more twists and turns over the run-in, and Wenger wants his side to focus on delivering their own top performances to secure the necessary final outcome at full time on May 19.

"We have the experience, we have done it before and what we want is to do again," said Wenger, whose side managed to overhaul Spurs last season and secure automatic qualification for the Champions League group stages.

"I am sure we will, but it demands a lot of dedication and nerves until the end."

Chelsea tackle Premier League leaders Manchester United in their FA Cup quarter-final replay on Monday as part of a hectic fixture schedule in which they also will hope to progress in the Europa League.

Wenger feels having so many key games in quick succession could work either way - but will not get overly concerned with how anyone else is set to perform.

"It can be very positive if you are on a good run, and very negative if you are in bad form," he said.

"But let's just take care of the way we play, take care of our spirit and give it our all."

Ivory Coast forward Gervinho certainly did that against the Royals, firing the home side into an early lead in what was one of his best recent displays.

The 25-year-old has polarised opinion among Gunners fans since his 11million move from Lille in July 2011, with a string of inconsistent displays.

Wenger feels all of his current squad have what it takes to help the club move forwards, although he will look to strengthen the group in the summer.

"Gervinho did not play for his future [against Reading], he was just playing for his club, that is what every player does," said Wenger.

"We are a group of players who want to go for it, and to go for it together.

"Sometimes Gervinho plays, sometimes [Theo] Walcott, sometimes [Lukas] Podolski, but we can only do it if we all have the same target and do it together."

Reading - who slumped to the bottom of the table with yesterday's defeat - had defended resolutely for long spells, but their resistance was finally broken again at the start of the second half when Santi Cazorla curled in a delightful 20-yard effort with Olivier Giroud soon adding a third following a quick break by Gervinho.

Reading, though, netted a consolation through Hal Robson-Kanu before Mikel Arteta's penalty - converted after a trip by Adrian Mariappa on substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, when initial contact was probably outside the box - wrapped things up for the Gunners.

Full-back Nacho Monreal had injured his hip when clattering into the post as he slid to try to stop Robson-Kanu's header, but Wenger revealed the Spaniard, so impressive since his January deadline switch from Malaga, was "not bad" and should train again next week.

Walcott could be back for the trip to West Brom after his hip/thigh problem picked up on international duty with England, although midfielder Jack Wilshere is now likely to be pencilled in for a return against Norwich on April 13.

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Arsene Wenger praises Arsenal forward Gervinho after Reading win

The Ivorian, starting his first Premier League game since December, gave the Gunners the lead after just 11 minutes at the Emirates Stadium before laying on two more for his team-mates.

The former Lille forward could have grabbed a hat-trick as Arsenal threatened to overrun the struggling Royals in the second half.

"He is what you want from a striker, dangerous, he scored and gave assists," Wenger told Sky Sports after the game.

"The only regret is that he had a few more chances to score, but you cannot fault his performance today, he was absolutely outstanding."

Speaking of the team's display in general, Wenger added: "It was a good performance. Technically sound, serious, always focused and a very creative performance as well because we created many shots and chances - that is what you want.

"We kept our focus and fortunately we scored early in the second half, that killed the game a little bit.

"Reading kept going but our technical quality today was very, very good. We also had a lot of imagination, sometimes a little bit too much but that is what you want from your team."

The win keeps up the pressure on north London rivals Tottenham in the race for a top four place, though Wenger insists he is not worrying about other teams' results at present.

"We are focused just on winning our games," he said. "We have a clear target, we don't need to look around us because at the moment we are still behind. We just want to win our games."

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Aaron Ramsey has no regrets over Arsenal move

Sir Alex Ferguson's side were in the hunt to sign the midfielder in the summer of 2008, but a 17-year-old Ramsey opted to move to the Emirates Stadium instead in a 5million deal.

He was impressed with Arsenal's desire to sign him, with boss Arsene Wenger even flying the midfielder out to Switzerland where he was working at Euro 2008 for face-to-face talks.

Ramsey has enjoyed mixed fortunes in an Arsenal shirt, with the undoubted low being the broken leg suffered at Stoke in February 2010 that sidelined him for nine months.

The 22-year-old has looked to be getting back to his best in recent months, though that has been tempered by Arsenal's failure to win major silverware for an eighth season in succession.

Despite the lack of medals Ramsey insists he still feels he made the right choice when opting to snub United in favour of the Gunners.

"The main factor in joining Arsenal was meeting with Arsene Wenger and to hear what his plans were for me," Ramsey told the Daily Mirror. "He has brought through so many youngsters and given them opportunities and turned them into great players.

"They flew me over there to have a meeting with him. I was overwhelmed. I was 17 and one of the best managers in the world wants to meet me face to face.

"It was definitely a hard choice to make at my age, but I've no regrets, I think I made the right choice. I felt more wanted at Arsenal, I felt the plan was better for me and they gave youngsters more opportunities. Manchester United also had a lot of midfielders at the time as well."

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Wenger has faith in Szczesny

Szczesny did not play in the last two matches before the international break, decisions which brought outspoken comments from his father.

The 22-year-old moved quickly to distance himself from that direct criticism of Wenger, insisting he was happy to fight for his place, having come through the Arsenal youth system after joining from Legia Warsaw in 2006.

And Wenger has every confidence in Szczesny's long-term ability.

"That (100 appearances) is a huge credit to him, something absolutely fantastic and shows he has a great future," Wenger said in an interview with Arsenal Player.

"What is happening to him at the moment is just a normal process of any career - we had (Jens) Lehmann, (David) Seaman, they had their blips and their periods where they were less good, even when they were more experienced than Wojciech."

Wenger must decide whether to recall Szczesny for Saturday's visit of relegation-battlers Reading, but has drawn a line under the recent selection row.

"I haven't spoken to him (about his father's comments), but I believe he responded very well. There is a not a lot more to say," the Gunners boss told a news conference.

"We are in a competitive world, he has played 100 games for this club and at his age that is absolutely fantastic.

"For the rest, we have ups and downs in our form and we have to fight against that, that is what he said, basically.

"Wojciech has a great future. He is a very young goalkeeper. You do not find very many goalkeepers at his age who have the experience he has already, that is why I believe he has a great future, but he lives in a world where competition exists."

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Tomas Rosicky says Arsenal's win at Bayern Munich can be a turning point

Arsene Wenger's side won 2-0 at the Allianz Arena, but agonisingly dropped out of the UEFA Champions League on the away goals rule.

The Gunners bounced back from that disappointment with a 2-0 victory at Swansea last time to sit fifth in the Premier League, four points behind arch-rivals Tottenham with a game in hand.

Next up, Arsenal face relegation strugglers Reading at the Emirates on Saturday, and Rosicky is relishing a return to domestic action after the international break.

"Ideally, I don't think we would have had a break after the last two results," Rosicky told Arsenal's official website.

"The game in Munich could be the equivalent of last season's Tottenham game - the stepping stone or turning point. Three days later, at Swansea, we put in another very good performance.

"Now we need to pick up that momentum again. It's a very interesting period for us now, fighting for a place in the Champions League."

Arsenal finished strongly to claim a place in the Champions League last season and Rosicky is looking for more of the same.

"That's what I expect to happen - that we will be there again," he said.

"Of course it will be a tough task, but our advantage is that we had the same experience last year. We know it's very possible but we have to be consistent.

"Inconsistency has bothered us at times this season, but I believe we will produce a strong finish and we will make it."

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Wenger: Jack can't save England

The Gunners midfielder is currently recovering from an ankle problem which has ruled him out since the defeat at Tottenham on March 3, meaning he missed both Arsenal's Champions League win in Bayern Munich as well as both of England's games against San Marino and Montenegro.

England failed to hold on to their lead in the second qualifier in Podgorica on Tuesday night, as the hosts fought back to draw and remain in charge at the top of Group H on the road towards Brazil 2014.

Some have suggested Roy Hodgson's side lack the dynamic influence of Wilshere in midfield, the 21-year-old having impressed against Brazil at Wembley in February.

Wenger, though, maintains no one man can be expected to be key to the hopes of any side.

"The country doesn't depend one player, no matter how good he is," said the Arsenal manager, who must also do without forward Theo Walcott against Reading this weekend after he returned home early from international duty with a pelvic injury.

"I believe what is the quality of a country is the number of good players they have.

"Jack is a fantastic player, but it would be too much pressure on him to say England's future depends on him.

"The other night, (David) Silva didn't play for Spain in France and on the bench you had (Juan) Mata, (Santi) Cazorla, (Cesc) Fabregas and that is what you want to see from big football countries: that it doesn't depend just on one player."

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Gunners rocked by Diaby injury

The 26-year-old France international faces an operation on the injury, which he suffered in training on Wednesday.

A club statement confirmed: "Abou Diaby injured his left knee in training on Wednesday and subsequent scans have confirmed that he has torn his anterior cruciate ligament.

"Following consultations with specialists, Abou will undergo surgery to repair the injury in the near future. Abou is expected to be out for around eight to nine months.

"The thoughts and best wishes from everyone at Arsenal are with Abou, and we all wish him a successful recovery."

Even before this latest setback, Diaby's spell in north London had been blighted by injuries ever since he joined from Auxerre in 2006 as a 19-year-old.

The commanding midfielder suffered a fractured and dislocated ankle in May of that year and recorded only 27 Barclays Premier League appearances over the next two seasons.

He eventually established himself as a regular presence in the Gunners' midfield, scoring seven times in 40 appearances in all competitions in 2010-11.

But he was restricted to only five appearances last season due to a string of injuries, including ankle and calf problems, and has played only 16 games in the current campaign.

The news on Diaby adds to manager Arsene Wenger's mounting injury problems. Jack Wilshere is currently recovering from an ankle problem which has ruled him out since the defeat at Tottenham on March 3, meaning he missed the Champions League win in Bayern Munich as well as England's games against San Marino and Montenegro during the international break.

Wenger must also do without forward Theo Walcott against Reading this weekend after he returned home early from international duty with a pelvic injury, while Kieran Gibbs is doubtful due to a virus.

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Chilean star Alexis Sanchez rules out move away from Barcelona

Sanchez joined Barcelona in the summer of 2011, when he rejected overtures from a host of clubs including Manchester City.

The 24-year-old has started just 11 league games so far this season, which has led to the speculation linking him with Arsenal, Juventus and Inter Milan.

"I'm very happy at Barcelona," the former Udinese player stated. "I feel important for my club and for my country.

"I know what type of player I am, I know that I am a great player, I know that I can win games. I remain one of the best in the world even if I don't score.

"I am not a player who will score three or five goals per game.

"I give passes, and also score sometimes. I am not really a penalty box goalscorer, but I know I am still one of the best players in the world."

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Monreal calls for Gunners focus

The Gunners will resume domestic action with a home match against relegation-battlers Reading, an encounter they must win to keep pressure on both Chelsea and Tottenham in the race for Champions League qualification.

With just one defeat in the last seven league games, coming at White Hart Lane, Arsene Wenger's men find themselves four points behind arch-rivals Spurs, but crucially with a match in hand.

Arsenal have endured one of the most testing campaigns under Wenger's tenure, with the 2-0 win in Bayern Munich earlier this month one of the few highlights.

Monreal, however, insists it is now down to the players to focus on delivering a positive end to what others have labelled a season of turmoil at the Emirates Stadium.

In an interview with the April edition of the official Arsenal magazine, Monreal said: "We still have matches left to fix the situation and to try to meet our objectives.

"It is logical that people talk because the situation has not been as it should be, but the players and club in general have to ensure that doesn't affect us.

"We have to use our energy for the matches. If you are thinking of what people are saying, you are wasting that energy. You have to concentrate on the next match.

"Every fixture now is a final we have to win. That has to be our mentality. I am sure we will put it right."

Monreal, 27, has settled quickly since his January deadline day signing from Malaga, scoring his first Arsenal goal in the 2-0 win at Swansea before the international break and then impressing in last night's World Cup qualifying win for Spain over France in Paris when deputising at full-back for the injured Jordi Alba.

Gunners midfielder Santi Cazorla praised the speed at which his former Malaga team-mate has taken to the hustle-and-bustle of the English top flight.

"Nacho is a footballer I really enjoy watching and playing with. He has adapted to the Premier League very well. What's more, our style of play suits him because he is someone with a lot of movement," Spain international Cazorla told Arsenal Player.

"He is a very good signing, and is proving it.

"I think Arsenal have really got it right with the transfer. I am very happy because he is a great mate."

Like most Premier League clubs, the majority of the Arsenal squad were away on international duty this week.

However, England duo Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott were not involved in the World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro.

Walcott returned early after picking up what was described as a "minor hip/groin injury" in training ahead of the San Marino game, during which Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored in the 8-0 route.

Midfielder Wilshere, meanwhile, has not played since the defeat at Tottenham on March 3 after he was rested because of an ankle problem. His rehabilitation schedule - which included a trip to Dubai - was set to see Wilshere feature again this weekend.

Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, meanwhile, will be hoping for a recall having been dropped against Bayern and then benched at Swansea - which prompted an outburst from his father and a subsequent clarification from the Poland international, reaffirming his commitment to the club and support for Wenger.

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Jovetic has 'Arsenal affinity'

The 23-year-old Fiorentina striker, who fill line up against England in a World Cup qualifier, has been mentioned as a possible summer signing for Arsene Wenger's side.

"I've heard about Arsenal's interest," Jovetic was quoted as saying by The Sun. "It's a big pleasure for me to be on the radar of such a big club. I am happy about that.

"I've always had an affinity with Arsenal. It's a major club with a big tradition, one of the biggest in Europe.

"It's not easy to replace [Robin] van Persie, who scored a lot of goals.

"Arsenal have plenty of players who don't score like Van Persie, but are also very good.

"They are still very strong. I often watch Premier League games on TV. It's one of the best leagues in the world and looks tempting for me.

"Maybe one day I will play there but I have a contract with Fiorentina and battling for a Champions League place in Serie A is the only thing I'm thinking about now."

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Santi Cazorla says Arsenal and Spain team-mate Nacho Monreal are perfect fit

Left-back Monreal joined the Gunners from Malaga on transfer deadline day in January, taking the same route to north London as Cazorla did last summer.

Cazorla has been in excellent form for his new club since his arrival while Monreal scored his the first goal in a 2-0 Premier League win at Swansea City before the international break.

"He's a very good signing, and he's proving it," Cazorla told Arsenal Player.

"Nacho is a footballer I really enjoy watching and playing with. I spent last season with him at Malaga and he was a vital player for the team. He's adapted to the Premier League very well. What's more, our style of play suits him because he's someone with a lot of movement.

"I think Arsenal have really got it right with the transfer. I'm very happy because he's a great mate.

"We know each other from Malaga and I know it can be difficult when you arrive."

Cazorla turned to another Spaniard, Mikel Arteta, for guidance when he first arrived in England and he in turn has helped Arsenal's latest signing from Spain to settle.

"We know each other from Malaga and I know it can be difficult when you first arrive," said Cazorla.

"I had the exact same experience and, thanks to Mikel, I adapted much better. So I know, for Nacho, it makes it easier to adjust if he has me and Mikel.

"We've tried to help him settle as easily as possible and, little by little, he's understanding more. He's got a feeling for the club. I talk to him every day and he's very happy to be at Arsenal."

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Ox: This is the big one

The Arsenal midfielder is in contention to start Tuesday's game after impressing and being among the scorers during Friday's 8-0 away triumph over minnows San Marino.

Oxlade-Chamberlain knows the significance of the meeting with group leaders Montenegro who are currently two points ahead of England after Friday's 1-0 win in Moldova.

He said: "It is the key game, definitely. It is good to win every game but, with them being top of the group, it is even more important.

"You can't look too far into it because you then start getting distracted, and it puts added pressure onto you.

"We know what we've got to do, it's a pressure game but they are all pressure games for us.

"It will be hostile but if you look around this squad, the players have experienced hostile environments before at club and international level.

"It is a different challenge for us to overcome but, at the end of the day, it's a game of football and what goes on inside the white lines isn't to do with who is outside of them.

"We will speak about tactics before the game. If we can match them mentally and physically and approach the game in a right way, we've got a good chance."

Defender Chris Smalling is relishing the challenge as he looks to cement a place in the side after starting the last two matches against Brazil and San Marino.

The Manchester United player has recovered from the groin and foot injuries which checked his progress with club and country.

Smalling said: "I take each chance that I can get and the bigger the game, the better for me.

"I'll be ready if I'm selected on Tuesday.

"We see their results so we know it's going to be a close one and Tuesday is a massive game.

"Away games like this can be very intimidating and, if you get the crowd on side, it's like they got an extra man.

"If we stay level-headed and try to keep the crowd quiet, then it will be to our advantage.

"This is the big one of the season against a team which is arguably fighting for top spot with us."

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Podolski plays down exit talk

The Germany international, who arrived from Cologne last summer, insists he will not be moving away from North London.

"I want to say two things," he said. "Firstly, I cannot help it that clubs are interested in me. And there are always people behind the scenes who want to float something in this business.

"Secondly, any interest makes me proud because it is a recognition of my performance in London. It is unlikely [that I will leave] because, at the club and in the town, I feel really comfortable.

"As a player you have peace and quiet. I appreciate that very much. Therefore, I can honestly say: I am not preparing for any change."

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Copenhagen to keep Cornelius

The 20-year-old front-man is attracting attention from a host of Premier League clubs and is believed to have been watched by scouts from Arsenal, Spurs adn Stoke during Denmark's 3-0 win over the Czech Republic on Friday, in which Cornelius scored his first international goal.

"First of all, we are happy on Cornelius' behalf," stated sports director Carsten V. Jensen to Sporten.dk.

"I am particularly happy how he handles the situation around him. It's not easy to keep your focus on your displays when you get a lot of attention."

The Danish giants are hoping to qualify for the group stage of the Champions League after the summer and therefore the club have no plans to sell their talented striker.

"Selling players is not in our plans," he added.

"We are in a phase where both the side and individual players are making progress and the most important thing for us is to prepare the club for the challenges which hopefully will come."

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Graham tips Spurs to miss out

Graham believes Arsenal will pip Spurs to the final Champions League spot, but he does not believe that would constitute a poor season for Andre Villas-Boas' side.

Graham told the Sunday Mirror: "Tottenham will be the ones to lose out.

"They have a difficult run-in and they have played a game more than the others.

"But I want to stress that it would be anything but a disaster for them to make it a poor season. In fact, I would say the opposite.

"He (Villas-Boas) has been assembling a squad and has done well to be in such a high position in the league and still be involved in the Europa League.

"He can build on that. And I hope he can keep Gareth Bale - for the club's sake and the player's sake.

"It is unfair on Bale to compare him to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. He would really benefit from another season in England."

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Negredo keen on Prem move

The Spain international has previously been linked with a host of top-flight clubs including Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham, while Everton were thought to have shown interest in January.

Reports suggest financially-stricken Sevilla could look to offload him as they seek to lower their wage bill.

Negredo, who joined Sevilla from Almeria in 2009, claims the club received offers for him in the winter transfer window but says it was not the right time to leave.

The 27-year-old, contracted at the Primera Liga side until 2016, hopes to join the Premier League when the moment is right.

"I have always said it, I have never hidden it," he told Estadio Deportivo. "It is a league that I like.

"I do not know if it will be soon, or maybe further down the road, or tomorrow, but I will play there.

"The president (Jose Maria del Nido) received some offers, but he did not accept them. Nobody said anything directly to me, and it was not the right moment to leave.

"I do not know what will happen in the future. It depends on what the club wants and what it needs."

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Szczesny sorry for dad's comments

And Szczesny admits current first-choice Lukasz Fabianski has been in better form.

In an interview with Przeglad Sportowy, Maciej Szczesny accused Arsenal manager Wenger of using his son as a scapegoat for the club's poor season.

Maciej Szczesny made the comments after Wojciech was dropped for the second leg of Arsenal's Champions League tie with Bayern Munich last week, with Wenger claiming the 22-year-old had been "mentally affected" by the number of games played.

The Poland international was then put on the bench for the Barclays Premier League win at Swansea, where compatriot Fabianski kept a second consecutive clean sheet.

Maciej claimed Wenger dropped his son as he was searching for a scapegoat following a poor run of form but Wojciech has revealed he expected to be dropped.

"I'm a realist," he told Przeglad Sportowy.

"I saw what is happening in training, who is in better form. The manager told me earlier, what will happen in the next few weeks. I was ready to watch the Bayern game on TV.

"Of course, I would have preferred to play, but Lukasz was in better form and he played a very good game. This decision is made based on player's form. The same happens with strikers; the striker who is scoring goals is playing.

"I don't think there is a player more important than the club. If the team won two games, and I was not playing, then I have no complaints. The most important thing is that the team is winning, and the player who is in better form will play."

Szczesny also used Arsenal's official website to release a statement apologising for the comments made by his father.

"I would like to apologise for the comments made by my father which have been used by both Polish and English media," the statement read.

"I'd like to make it clear that those were the views and opinions of my father and not mine, and although I respect his views I cannot accept them as I find them disrespectful to the club I truly love.

"I have been at Arsenal Football Club for seven years now and I have always shown my full respect to the club, Arsene Wenger, all the coaching staff, my team-mates and the fans.

"I've always felt that I received great support from the manager and the fans and I am fully focused on getting back to my best.

"I am proud to be a part of Arsenal and I see my future at this great club."

Szczesny's father, a former Poland international himself, was quoted as saying yesterday: "Wenger already started to look for the scapegoat. It is not the way the boss should behave.

"Wojciech has had two serious injuries. He played with one in April and May (last year). He shouldn't have agreed to play that time, but the coach insisted.

"Wojciech did not train the whole week and then a warm-up on Friday and played the match on Saturday. He was naturally more susceptible to minor injuries and his form was going down.

"In my opinion Mr Wenger messed up a lot in April and May. I don't blame the young man who went along with his coach, his current lack of form is a result of those two months."

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Szczesny's father blasts Wenger

Szczesny was axed for the Champions League game against Bayern Munich last week, with Wenger claiming the 22-year-old had been "mentally affected" by the number of games played.

The Poland international was then put on the bench for the Premier League win at Swansea, where Lukasz Fabianski kept a second consecutive clean sheet.

Szczesny has joined up with the Poland squad ahead of their World Cup Group H qualifiers against Ukraine and San Marino, but Southampton keeper Artur Boruc is expected to be first choice, with Brighton's Tomasz Kuszczak providing support.

Maciej Szczesny - who won seven caps for Poland and helped Legia Warsaw reach the quarter-finals of the 1995-96 Champions League - feels Wenger needs to look at how he handled his son, who has been hampered by a series of niggling injury problems.

In an interview with Poland's leading sport daily paper Przeglad Sportowy, the senior Szczesny said: "Wenger already started to look for the scapegoat. It is not the way the boss should behave.

"Wojciech has had two serious injuries. He played with one in April and May (last year). He shouldn't have agreed to play that time, but the coach insisted.

"Wojciech did not train the whole week and then a warm up on Friday and played the match on Saturday. He was naturally more susceptible to minor injuries and his form was going down.

"Wenger was playing with the young man's good health and Wojciech agreed foolishly.

"In my opinion Mr Wenger messed up a lot in April and May. I don't blame the young man who went along with his coach, his current lack of form is a result of those two months.

"Then in August there was a foot (ankle) injury after which he played almost instantly.

"After seven weeks out Wojciech trained for just seven days and played the match. How on earth can he be on his highest form?"

Despite taking Szczesny out of the firing line and warning no-one can be guaranteed of a place in the team - not even captain Thomas Vermaelen - Wenger has said Szczesny is part of his long-term plans, having brought the youngster through the Arsenal Academy after signing from hometown side Legia Warsaw in 2006.

Szczesny Snr is confident his son will soon establish himself as the Arsenal number one again.

"This last period has not been successful for Wojciech, the fact that Arsene Wenger did not take him to Munich shows something," Maciej Szczesny added.

"However, I think my son can be the number one (Arsenal) keeper over 10 years, he just needs to come back to form and then a situation where we can stop to wonder who will stand between the posts."

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Williams staying at Swansea

The Wales centre-back has been linked with possible moves to either Liverpool, managed by former Swans boss Brendan Rodgers, and Arsenal.

Williams' agent Jamie Moralee insists he is happy with his role in a developing Swansea side, although he admitted he could be tempted away if a firm bid came in for him.

"What I can say is that my player has got no desire to leave Swansea City Football Club," Moralee told the this is South Wales website.

"There have been stories linking Ash but his situation now is no different from his situation over the past few years.

"Ash has always remained a Swansea City player. He is happy there, his family are there with him and he is playing better than ever because Swansea have given him a platform.

"He has been captain for much of this season and he thrives on that responsibility.

"If he is drawing the attention of the big boys then that is a good thing, because it shows he is developing and Swansea are developing.

"But he has never knocked on the chairman's door and said he wants to leave and he has never handed in a transfer request."

Moralee did however float the idea that Williams would consider moving on if another team came in for him.

"If a club comes in and puts the money on the table, I am sure Ash and the Swansea chairman will have a conversation," added Moralee. "But we are all pretty chilled and comfortable with the situation.

"There's nothing other than newspaper speculation at the moment and, as you know, that comes when people are playing well.

"But that's all it is. If one of the big four, five or six decide to target Ash and put the money down, then there will be a conversation.

"But it's quite early to even be suggesting this kind of talk because there are still quite a few games to be played before the end of the season."

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Transfer news: Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech rejects links to Arsenal

There had been speculation that the Czech international, who moved to Stamford Bridge from Rennes in a 7million deal in June 2004, was a transfer target for Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.

Wenger is said to be keen to improve his goalkeeping options at the end of the season, with Lukasz Fabianski having recently ousted Wojciech Szczesny from the starting XI.

But the 30-year-old former Sparta Prague man has dismissed the reports out of hand and insists he "can't even imagine" the thought of playing for the Blues' London rivals.

"It is an interesting piece of news but it is such speculation that I think it's not even necessary to comment on it," Cech told isport.blesk.cz.

"I know of nothing, nobody has contacted me and, to be honest, I can't even imagine it.

"I don't even normally notice such rumours. But when it does get to me, I naturally look at it to know what to say about it later.

"There are players who do read newspapers. Some players read match reports to know what was written about them and where.

"I don't do this, I don't read newspapers because of such things. I don't take rumours like this seriously."

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Cazorla wants more Gunners goals

The 28-year-old has enjoyed a successful first campaign in England following his summer move from Malaga.

Cazorla has chalked up 11 goals for the Gunners, including a hat-trick in the 5-2 league win at Reading before Christmas.

The creative midfielder hopes that tally will be extended as Arsenal look to close back in on the top four and Champions League qualification once again.

"It's an aspect of my game I've always tried to improve," said Cazorla on the club's official website.

"Last season at Malaga I hit nine and my target was to go beyond that.

"I think a figure of 11 goals this season is good for a midfielder, but I think I can score more and improve in that facet of the game.

"Everything influences it (the improvement in front of goal). You have to try and improve as an individual and, ultimately, if you're better, the team makes you better too.

"It all works in tandem and you need the two to come together, the individual and the collective."

Most of Arsenal's first-team squad, including England's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott, are now away on international duty.

Midfielder Jack Wilshere, however, will continue his rehabilitation with the club after spending some time in Dubai to aid recovery from a slight ankle problem which Arsenal hope will clear up in time for the resumption of Premier League action against Reading on March 30.

Cazorla has joined up with Spain for their games against Finland and France.

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Tomas Rosicky is keen to play more regularly for Arsenal

The experienced midfielder missed the start of this season due to an Achilles injury and has been restricted to just nine appearances in all competitions.

He has yet to start a Premier League game this term, but insists he respects manager Arsene Wenger's decisions as Arsenal try to catch Tottenham Hotspur.

"Naturally, I would like to play more often, that's for sure," Rosicky told CTK. "I feel very well, the results in fitness tests were the same as they were in previous seasons when I played regularly.

"When the coach picks me, I go along with all the tactical tasks and I think I have nothing to be ashamed of.

"It's the manager's team and I fully respect his decisions. I cannot do anything else other than train properly and wait for a chance.

"The team has had problems so there's no space or time to complain that someone is not playing. To me, personally, the most important thing is that the club which I love finishes in a position where we can compete in the Champions League.

"Everything else can be sorted out after the season, on a beach for instance!

"I must convince myself so that it doesn't stay on my mind and doesn't frustrate me. That wouldn't help me or the club. Mr Wenger tells me to be patient but, obviously, the manager of such a club is not explaining every single decision to you."

Arsenal are four points adrift of arch-rivals Tottenham, but have a game in hand, and Rosicky feels his side can make up the deficit.

The Czech added: "Even if we have been eliminated from all the cup competitions, we have enormous motivation to fight for fourth spot, which is extremely important for Arsenal.

"There's a lot of points left to play for and we are just four points behind, that can be reached. We just need a run of good results."

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Arsenal improved by video nasty

The German was clearly shocked by the Gunners' defending in their 2-1 defeat in the north London derby and responded with clean sheets against Bayern Munich and Swansea City.

The Swans were not allowed a single shot on target by a defence that did not include captain Thomas Vermaelen.

"Sometimes as a player you have a different view and you can't believe what we did as a defensive unit," admitted Mertesacker. "Sometimes you need to learn from games and that was very important for us.

"There was a lot of room for improvement after the Tottenham game - we saw a lot of things on television. Sometimes we didn't choose the right direction and we just lacked a bit of defensive work as a unit.

"There were a lot of situations where there was no pressure on the ball and the back four was not prepared for any balls between us. To cover each other, that was the most important thing we learned."

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Theo Walcott fears "tragedy" if Arsenal miss out on Champions League

The Gunners face a fight to finish in the top four as they currently find themselves in fifth spot in the Premier League table.

Arsenal crashed out of the Champions League in midweek on away goals despite an impressive 2-0 win over Bayern Munich and Walcott believes their performance in Germany shows they have underperformed this term.

"We want to be at places like Bayern Munich again, it would be a tragedy for this team not to be in the Champions League," Walcott told The Sunday Mirror.

"The way we played in Germany shows how much we have underperformed at times this season. It's been up and down. For the big occasions we tend to turn up it's just very frustrating."

Walcott admits Arsenal have lacked leadership on the pitch in some games this season and he has called on them to build on their win over Bayern for the rest of the season.

"We had a lot of leaders in Germany, telling people what to do," added Walcott. "There was more communication than there has been previously.

"We have definitely been too quiet, we've been afraid to tell each other what to do even to tell each other off.

"Now we need to show a bit more of that, like we did in Germany. We don't need to always have a go at each other, but we have to speak hard truths.

"We care, we want to prove we want to win and show the desire and commitment. We need to show it to each other and maybe sometimes the referee as well."

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Wenger: Gunners are together

The Gunners' win at the Liberty Stadium keeps them firmly in the mix for a top-four finish as they backed up their victory over Bayern Munich in midweek.

The 2-0 success at the Allianz Arena was not enough to help Wenger's side reach the last eight of the Champions League, but he believes it marked a turning point in their efforts to qualify for next season's competition.

He said: "I am a great admirer of the attitude of this team, and to win such a big game on Wednesday has transformed the belief of this team.

"We have struggled to find that belief this season but we have seen here you cannot question the solidarity of the players.

"They are showing qualities we will need up to the last day of the season."

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Arsene Wenger praised Arsenal spirit after Premier League win at Swansea

Second-half goals from Nacho Monreal and Gervinho gave the Gunners a 2-0 win at the Liberty Stadium and closed the gap on Chelsea in fourth to leave Wenger feeling proud of his players.

"We knew on the fixtures that this was one of the difficult games we had still to play," Wenger told Sky Sports.

"But we really wanted the win today and we kept going. The fact that our left-back scored the goal inside the box shows that we had the spirit, the desire and are up for the fight.

"I'm very proud of the players because they have given a lot at Bayern Munich on Wednesday, come home, travelled straight away and won again away from home. It's never easy to do that.

"Winning a big game like that (against Bayern), of course, improves your confidence even if it is a frustration to go out. We were up for a battle in Munich and it certainly helped."

The introduction of substitutes Aaron Ramsey and Gervinho also seemed to spur the Gunners to victory with the breakthrough coming soon after, before both men combined for the second goal.

"They had a good impact because we were starting to become a little bit tired," added Wenger.

"But overall I think the team just kept going. I think it was the team that really wanted it today that have won the game.

"We've not always had that belief that you need at this level but the players were determined to give absolutely everything."

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RM hopes to extend Miyaichi deal

The Japanese player has made just seven appearances for the Latics in an injury-dogged season which could have been ended by an ankle injury in last weekend's FA Cup quarter-final win at Everton.

Miyaichi requires surgery to repair the ligament damage and it may rule him out of Wigan's remaining games.

But Martinez is a huge fan of the 20-year-old and would be keen to extend their working relationship if Gunners boss Arsene Wenger will allow it.

"We will have to speak with Arsenal and we need to assess and make sure they are happy with the progression of the player," said the Latics boss.

"Ryo is a footballer that we really admire and has an incredible future in front of him so if we could work with him for a longer period we would be very happy to do that."

Wigan have had their fair share of injuries this season, critically to players like centre-back Antolin Alcaraz who has made just six appearances, having been sidelined for nearly six months with a groin problem.

Martinez believes he has noticed an upward trend in injuries among all clubs and has an interesting theory as to a contributing factor.

"Don't get me wrong, football in general gets more demanding physically, that is clearly the way the game is developing," he said.

"The more technology in sports science means you create better athletes but I think the weather and rain we had this summer has created difficult surfaces to play and train on.

"It would be interesting to find out how many injuries clubs throughout the leagues have had compared to last year because the number has been much higher.

"I don't think the physicality of the league has anything to do with that."

Martinez, preparing his side for the visit of Newcastle tomorrow, believes this year's relegation fight is the toughest he has experienced.

"The teams in the bottom three I don't think are going to stay there: there will be other teams involved and it will go down to the final day once more," said the Latics boss, whose side dropped into the relegation zone because of their FA Cup involvement last weekend.

"Year after year that fight becomes harder because teams are more prepared and stronger to cope with the demands in that final push.

"I do see it as the strongest fight out of the last four I've been involved."

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Thomas Vermaelen and Wojciech Szczesny remain key men for Arsenal

Gunners captain Vermaelen was left on the bench for the 2-0 UEFA Champions League victory at Bayern Munich, while Poland goalkeeper Szczesny was rested for the game.

Wenger says both players have had a positive reaction since then, as the Gunners slipped out of the competition on the away goals rule after a 3-3 aggregate draw, and will play vital roles during the Premier League run-in.

"They are two outstanding players who are part of our squad," Wenger said.

"They have played so many games until now. Their position is very important in the squad.

"All the players are in the same position: nobody is guaranteed a place in the team. When you go into this job, you know you have competition.

"Everybody faces the same competition and the players who have come in have been on the bench for a long, long time. They all have the same problem. The job of being a top-level competitor is to deal with that.

"Every position is up for grabs. You have to face it like that. The last game decides the next one."

Wenger underlined his support for both Szczesny and Vermaelen, and believes they both have a big future in north London.

"Who gave Wojciech a chance from nowhere in the youth teams? It was me because I rate him highly and have a big respect for what he has done," he said.

"But we all have ups and down physically and mentally and he has played many, many games this season. Maybe I should have rested him in the cup games but I did not do that. It is normal that you have ups and downs. He is a young goalkeeper.

"Thomas Vermaelen has played many games in many positions and is a very important player in our squad. They know there might be rotation with the three centre-backs - Vermaelen, Koscielny and Mertesacker."

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