Arshavin answers attacking problem

Arsene Wenger believes he may have stumbled upon the perfect to solution to Arsenal's injury problems up front after Andrey Arshavin starred in the Gunners' 2-0 Barclays Premier League win over Stoke.

The Russia international scored the opener and Aaron Ramsey added a second as Wenger's team climbed to third in the table. Wenger's striking options were limited by injuries to Theo Walcott (hamstring), Robin van Persie (ankle), Nicklas Bendtner (groin) and Eduardo, who was a late withdrawal with a thigh problem.

Wenger was impressed with 28-year-old Arshavin's contribution and said: "I don't think he was a big fanatic to play centre forward but I'm convinced he can play there because he has good body power, good movement and technique."

He added: "He made intelligent movements and it worked. He got a goal but could have had two or three and overall he did very well.

"I have to try it again to see if it works, at home and away from home, and to find a balance because I have many technical players around the team - (Tomas) Rosicky, (Samir) Nasri, (Cesc) Fabregas and (Emmanuel) Eboue.

"They all can penetrate from deep positions and that's needed when you have a player like him.

"We'll see. At the moment we don't have much choice, of course. Walcott is out, Bendtner is out and Robin van Persie as well."