WARNING ... Javier Mascherano
Arsenal's Russian agent rocked Liverpool in a pulsating
4-4 draw at Anfield in April. But influential midfielder Mascherano
reckons the Reds now know too much for Arshavin.
He said: "Arshavin was enormous against us last season
but there will not be a repeat. "The madness of last season is not
possible again. We have learned how to stop him and I am convinced
he will not create problems for us this time.
"Cesc Fabregas is the key for the Gunners. Arshavin is
dangerous but without Fabregas' work, things can change. "He is
decisive and it's our mission to make sure he doesn't feel
comfortable."
Liverpool have had a nightmare start to the season,
slipping 12 points off the pace and crashing out of the Champions
League at the group stages. Tomorrow they face third-placed
Arsenal, knowing defeat would leave them seven points adrift of the
Gunners.
With Manchester City, Spurs and Aston Villa flying,
there are even question marks over whether the stumbling Kop giants
will be in Europe at all next time around - never mind the
Champions League.
But Mascherano said: "We had Fernando Torres back
against Fiorentina in midweek, Stevie Gerrard is getting fitter
with every game and Alberto Aquilani started as well. "All those
things can only be good for us. We know we're a better team than we
have shown."
