Podolski happy with Arsenal role

Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski says there is nothing "special" about his dynamic role in the Gunners' frontline.

Last Updated: 25/01/13 at 07:27 Post Comment    Bet with SkyBet  Transfer Specials. Click here to bet.

Lukas Podolski: Happy to play anywhere

Lukas Podolski: Happy to play anywhere

Lukas Podolski says there is nothing "special" about his dynamic role in the Arsenal frontline - and is happy to play anywhere for the team.

The Gunners remain sixth in the Barclays Premier League, but moved to within four points of arch-rivals Tottenham following Wednesday night's emphatic 5-1 home win over West Ham, which was sealed after four goals in the space of 10 minutes at the start of the second half.

Podolski had earlier blasted in an equaliser to cancel out James Collins' fine strike before then going on the rampage down the left, setting up goals for Santi Cazorla, Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud, who had put the hosts in front just after the interval.

The German chalked up his 11th goal, as his impressive integration continues following an £11million summer move from Cologne.

Podolski has been deployed to great effect down the left, rather than a preferred central attacking role, but the German just gets on with the job at hand.

"It is not difficult - I have played on the left for Cologne sometimes and the national team. It is not something special," said Podolski.

"I think when I play as a number 10 or a [central] striker, I am in this position to score more goals and can shoot more, but with the style of the game of Arsenal, I do it well on the left side and I am happy to play there.

"I scored seven [Premier League] goals now and have nine assists - it is okay, but it is important for me at the end of the season to be in the Champions League."

However, despite their rousing display, Podolski knows it will count for little should the Gunners not produce the same kind of display against Liverpool next Wednesday, when the Premier League campaign resumes after tomorrow's FA Cup fourth-round tie at Brighton.

"It was one game and we have three points which is important, but we have 15 games more to play.

"It is not about saying, 'today Arsenal are back', because we need more of these games and more of these points. Then I think we are back in the top four," the German said.

"There is enough time to get back in the top four, and a lot of points to play for.

"We need more of these games and then we are back in the first four.

"We must believe in our game and our players.

"After the two defeats against Manchester City and Chelsea, the atmosphere was not so good, but now we have won 5-1 and we look to the next game in the FA Cup."

Arsenal head into their FA Cup tie on the south coast with a doubt over captain Thomas Vermaelen, who went off last night after twisting his ankle.

Midfielder Abou Diaby could be back in contention having been rested on Wednesday night as his rehabilitation from a long-term thigh injury continues.


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