Simon Hopper runs the rule over the weekend non-televised Premiership best bets, with Arsenal and Liverpool among those in action – click here for the top tips.

Andrey Arshavin believes Arsenal need to sign some taller players if they are to compete at the highest level.

Speaking in the wake of back-to-back defeats to rivals Chelsea and Manchester City, Arshavin has criticised his team for being too lightweight.

“The fact that we have lost against out direct rivals this season signifies that we are not very good,” he said.

“We are not good on set-pieces because we don’t have many tall players – every other team has an advantage over us in this area.

“They were much stronger than us when it came to physical power. Had we possessed a tall player then things would have been better for us.

“We had nobody capable of holding on to the ball. We played good football against all these top teams but that is not enough.

“What we can change, only Arsene Wenger knows. He has been at the club for 13 years and knows the problems better than anyone.”

Arsenal have struggled to find top form since striker Robin van Persie suffered an ankle ligament injury while on international duty for Holland against Italy.

Arshavin also admits that the Gunners have badly missed the injured Robin van Persie, but insists that the players have faith in Wenger to find a suitable replacement.

“All the Arsenal players believe in him – and if he leaves they will all leave,” he added. “It would be good if the club could sign some great players.

“It is up to the manager to decide whether he will sign a new striker in January. I have my own ideas but I won’t say what they are.

“Since Robin got injured we have scored just two goals – it is a big problem.”

Simon Hopper runs the rule over the weekend non-televised Premiership best bets, with Arsenal and Liverpool among those in action – click here for the top tips.

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