Silvestre points to positives

Defender feels Gunners are close to achieving glory

Last updated: 7th October 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Silvestre points to positives

Silvestre: Wants first-team action

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Mikael Silvestre believes Arsenal only need to make a few improvements to end their wait for a trophy.

The Gunners have not lifted silverware since the 2005 FA Cup and boss Arsene Wenger's policy for favouring promising youngsters ahead of proven talent has come under scrutiny during that drought.

However, this season has shown promise for Arsenal and the North London club sit fifth in the Premier League with a game in hand over the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham.

Wenger's side have managed to force their way into that strong position despite losing twice already this season, at United and Manchester City, and Silvestre sees reasons for optimism.

"In those two defeats, we learned that we are not far from being a winner," the defender, whose first-team appearances have been limited this season through fitness problems, told Arsenal's official website.

"We scored goals away from home which is good and I am looking forwards to the big games again this season to test ourselves.

Consistency

"We play very good football and I hope it will pay [off]."

Silvestre added in the wake of Sunday's 6-2 win over Blackburn: "It is about being mature and the details.

"If you look at the way we conceded two goals at the weekend, if we can get rid of those moments, then we will have a real chance. We are not far from it."

Silvestre's impact last season was hampered by a tendon problem, although he did recover in time to feature in the UEFA Champions League semi-final defeat to his former club United.

The defender, who can play both at centre-half or at full-back, opted to top up his sharpness for the reserves on Monday and he hopes to soon be challenging for more first-team action.

"I had two big injuries last season, now I look better and hopefully I can play my part to help the team to be successful," Silvestre added.

"You need consistency, to play more games to be at your best. Any chance I get, I will give 100 per cent."