Arsene Wenger has warned Arsenal's rivals that Andrey Arshavin is back to his best as the Russian prepares to face Stoke on Wednesday night.
The Russian was a key player for Arsenal last term but a drop in form saw him lose his place in the team at the turn of the year.
Arshavin frankly admitted that he had lost his self-belief last month after spending a few weeks out of the side, claiming that he no longer had the pace and initiative to repeat the kind of form that persuaded Arsenal to part with £15million to sign him two years ago.
The 29-year-old looked back to his old self last week, however, when he came off the bench to seal Arsenal's 2-1 win over Barcelona with a neat 20-yard finish.
His manager believes that goal has helped boost the forward's confidence and now believes he is firing on all cylinders once again.
"I love Arshavin because he's a player who can always give you hope that he can make the difference," Wenger told Arsenal TV online.
"He was troubled by confidence problems for a while but he is now back and that goal against Barcelona helped him."
Wenger was not surprised that Arshavin had doubted himself, insisting that even the best of players question their own ability from time to time.
Wenger added: "He is a top-level player who lives on success and when it doesn't go for you for a while you question 'what am I not doing right and why?'
"Nobody is immune to that.
"I have seen so many big players - and believe me Andrey is one of them - and they all go through periods like that. It is part of being a human being."
Arsenal welcome Stoke to the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night knowing that a victory will move the club to within one point of leaders Manchester United.
They will take on the Potters without in-form striker Robin van Persie and defender Laurent Koscielny, who have picked up hamstring and back injuries respectively.
Wenger hopes the duo will be fit for Sunday's Carling Cup final against Birmingham.
This weekend's match presents Arsenal with the chance of winning their first piece of silverware in six years, but Wenger is only focused on beating Tony Pulis' side in a fixture which he thinks will be crucial to the Gunners' prospects of winning the league.
"I'm not thinking about Birmingham," Wenger said.
"This (Stoke) is a very important one for us. The best way to win the Premier League is to win the game tomorrow. It is only that which is important.
"If you want to keep in touch with Manchester United, which we want more than anything, this game is vital.
"We have given so much in the Premier League, we have gone through so many difficult periods, and have come back with such resilience."
Cesc Fabregas is expected to return to the starting XI after being left out of Arsenal's shock FA Cup draw with League One side Leyton Orient last weekend.
The Spaniard has enjoyed a stellar season for the Gunners, a fact supported by Opta statistics that say he creates a scoring chance every 29 minutes he is on the pitch.
"I am not surprised by that (statistic) because I know what an exceptional player he is," Wenger added.
"He is just sensational, Cesc, that's why we score goals."
Aaron Ramsey broke his leg in a horrific tackle from Ryan Shawcross against Stoke last year.
The Welshman was sent on loan to Cardiff to aid his recovery and Bluebirds manager Dave Jones had been hoping to keep hold of the player for the rest of the season.
Wenger confirmed, however, that he wants the young midfielder back in London after his loan spell ends this weekend.
"He is on loan until Saturday. After that he comes back," Wenger said.
"I intend to use him. I have had good reports from Cardiff. He could be available for the second game against Leyton Orient on Wednesday."
