Arshavin wants more physical players at Emirates

Arsenal playmaker Andrey Arshavin feels the Gunners must sign some taller players if they are to compete at the highest level.

The 28-year-old Russia international had a quiet afternoon last Sunday as his side were comprehensively beaten 3-0 by Chelsea at Emirates Stadium, slipping 11 points behind the Blues in the process with a game in hand.

Arsenal's much-changed side were beaten by the same scoreline by Manchester City in the Carling Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday and Arshavin has slammed his team for being too lightweight.

"The fact that we have lost against out direct rivals this season signifies that we are not very good," he said.

"We are not good on set-pieces because we don't have many tall players - every other team has an advantage over us in this area.

"They were much stronger than us when it came to physical power. Had we possessed a tall player then things would have been better for us.

"We had nobody capable of holding on to the ball. We played good football against all these top teams but that is not enough.

"What we can change, only Arsene Wenger knows. He has been at the club for 13 years and knows the problems better than anyone."

Struggle
Arsenal have struggled to find top form since striker Robin van Persie suffered an ankle ligament injury while on international duty for Holland against Italy.

Arshavin admits that the Gunners have badly missed the Dutch marksman, but insists that the players have faith in Wenger to find an able replacement and turn the side's fortunes around.

"All the Arsenal players believe in him - and if he leaves they will all leave," he added. "It would be good if the club could sign some great players.

"It is up to the manager to decide whether he will sign a new striker in January. I have my own ideas but I won't say what they are.

"Since Robin got injured we have scored just two goals - it is a big problem."