Fabianski unconcerned by criticism

Fabianski has come in for some criticism this season, none more so than in the match away to Barcelona (GETTY IMAGES)

Under-fire goalkeeper Lukas Fabianski has vowed to end a troubled season a high and prove he is good enough to play for Arsenal.

Fabianksi kept his first clean sheet in eight matches against Manchester City at the weekend after being heavily criticised for his performance in Arsenal's 3-2 defeat to Wigan.

The Gunners' first-choice keeper Manuel Almunia, who has also come under fire this season, is likely to miss Monday's trip to Blackburn and the home game against Fulham with a wrist injury.

Fabianksi said: "I am glad to have the chance to play. The boss shows he believes in me and I just want to take the opportunities and show I am good enough.

"Every supporter has the right to give their opinion. I'm not stupid and I realise that incidents like the one at Wigan make other things appear less significant and that these are the things people remember.

"I have no problem with it.

"This season has been difficult for me. I've only been playing every few weeks or so and it's hard for any player who isn't playing regularly. Two games a week is much better for anyone, of course.

"But I didn't feel apprehensive for the Wigan game. I felt quite well, it was just that one incident that is hard to explain.

"This is the life of a keeper, though - some love it, some hate it but you just have to be strong with it. One day you can be the hero and the next people say you are the worst around.

"You just have to manage yourself in a good way and keep believing in yourself, keep working and fighting.

"If you keep believing in a keeper then he will believe in himself and when he plays regularly you can see the benefits over a few weeks."

Meanwhile, injured Arsenal forward Andrei Arshavin has set his sights on playing for Barcelona.

The Russian believes a move to the Nou Camp would represent the pinnacle of his career.

Arshavin was surprised by the gulf in class as he watched Barcelona's 6-3 aggregate victory over the Gunners in the Champions League quarter-final.

"After Arsenal played with Barcelona in the Champions League, my feeling of excitement changed to a feeling of dissatisfaction," he said.

"The Spanish club have become much stronger than any other club.

"If I have an opportunity to play one season at Barcelona it would be the peak of my career."