Arsene Wenger believes Andrey Arshavin has rediscovered his confidence following doubts about his form.
Winner against Barca has boosted midfielder's confidence
Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal midfielder Andrey Arshavin has rediscovered his confidence following doubts about his form.
Arshavin has struggled to maintain a consistent level of performance for the Gunners this season and is not guaranteed a place in Wenger's strongest starting line-up.
However, the Russian playmaker proved his worth to Arsenal last week by scoring the winning goal in the 2-1 victory over Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League.
Wenger believes that goal has reignited Arshavin and the Gunners boss feels the 29-year-old is now ready to produce his best form on a regular basis.
Troubled
"I love Arshavin because he's a player who can always give you hope that he can make the difference," Wenger told the club's
official website.
"He was troubled by confidence problems for a while but he is now back and that goal against Barcelona helped him."
Wenger was not surprised that Arshavin had doubted himself, insisting that even the best of players question their own ability from time to time.
He added: "He is a top-level player who lives on success and when it doesn't go for you for a while you question 'what am I not doing right and why?'
"Nobody is immune to that.
"I have seen so many big players - and believe me Andrey is one of them - and they all go through periods like that. It is part of being a human being."
