Published: 27 October, 2011
by TOM FOOT

ANDREY Arshavin has called on Arsene Wenger to play him in a pivotal attacking role against Chelsea on Sunday.

The Russian, who grabbed a goal and an assist in the 2-1 victory over Bolton in the Carling Cup on Tuesday, is desperate to set-up shop behind striker Robin van Persie.

But Wenger looks set to keep ignoring Arshavin’s pleas and stick to the formation that has seen the Gunners win seven of their last eight games.

“He has told me he wants to go in a role behind the striker,” said the Arsenal boss. “If you ask him he tells you ‘yes that is where I would like to play’. Andrey is for us normally a wide player.

“The problem is, with our system, you cannot play with two wingers and two offensive players like that.” Wenger added: “He is a player who takes a gamble on every ball he plays. When you look at the statistics at the end of every game – he always has a massive impact.”

Wenger was given a timely boost ahead of Saturday’s trip to Stamford Bridge when Thomas Vermaelen declared himself fit for the big clash against Chelsea.

There were fears that the defender had suffered a calf injury when subbed towards the end of Tuesday’s win over Bolton.

But Vermaelen revealed that he was just suffering from cramp following a lengthy spell on the sidelines. “It was great to be back and to get on the pitch,” he said. “I felt fresh. I’m OK and am available for Saturday.”