Andrey Arshavin remains confident of Arsenal finishing in the top-four despite a tricky start to the campaign. "We are heading for a very difficult start of the season," explained Arshavin. "We have four very hard opponents at the beginning of it. Then the Champions League games come.

"Getting to the group stage is one of our main tasks. It won't be easy, but I hope we'll manage to do it.

"With Adebayor signing for Manchester City, we lost a very good player. But Arsenal remain one of the best clubs in the Premier League, even without him.

"There are still the same big four clubs who will challenge the title next season. The remaining European slots will be taken by Manchester City, Aston Villa, Everton or Tottenham."