Arshavin - Best is yet to come

Arshavin: More to come

Arsenal forward Andrey Arshavin claims that he has not performed to his best since moving to England.

The Russia international joined the Gunners from Zenit St Petersburg in the January transfer window last year and has had a relatively successful spell at the Emirates.

This season the 28-year-old has netted nine goals in 28 Premier League appearances, although Arsenal faded in the title race late on.

Despite a relatively good goal return though, Arshavin believes he has not been on top form for five years, and hopes to improve next term.

"I think England has not seen the best Arshavin," he said in the Daily Star.

"For me I was at my best at 2005. On a scale of zero to 10, I have been at a maximum seven. To be at my best I need, first of all, to be fit all season.

"I must be quicker and more focused and concentrated in some parts of the game."

Arshavin says the lengthy injury problems for Arsenal this season have hampered his progress, as he has at times been forced to play as a striker.

Not ideal

He added: "This season I had to play up front. It is not good for me, but I do not complain because there was nobody except me.

"For me it is better I play behind the striker or a little bit deeper.

"What can you do if each year you have a lot of injuries? I think it has been the biggest problem.

"Last year was the same and the year before, too.

"If we had all our players fit, we would have had a much better chance of winning a trophy, but every time we have had two or three players out."

The Gunners star claimed last year that he was finding it tough to adapt to life in the English top-flight, and he still insists it is the best division in the world.

"The Premier League is now the best league in the world," he remarked.

"Of course you must be quick, but meanwhile you must be physically good enough as well.

"Because some teams can't play normal football. They are physically strong and they push you and sometimes you can do nothing against them."