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He might be as unpopular around Arsenal as Harry Redknapp but Arsene Wenger is sticking up for fan punchbag Andrei Arshavin.

Ahead of this afternoon’s game with Blackburn at the Emirates, Wenger has backed the Russian to silence his critics.

When Wenger took off Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain against Manchester United two weeks ago and introduced Arshavin many in the home support were perplexed and made their feelings known. When Arshavin was then blamed for not exactly being great defensively for Danny Welbeck’s winner, the abuse only got worse.

The 30-year-old is named on the bench for the visit of Steve Kean's strugglers and Wenger has faith.

"At the moment we play a little bit under difficult circumstances, but we have to realise that we have to support our players," said Wenger.

"I understand everybody's frustrations because I am quite tolerant, but there is still a difference between frustration and lack of respect.

"I personally have a huge respect for Andrey Arshavin and if you would see him behave every day, you would have one as well."

Wenger added: "Things can change quickly - villain today, hero tomorrow, it is like that nowadays - but when you are a good football player like he is you can always come back."

A couple of goals today would do no harm to that cause.