Andriy Voronin: We are fired up for Premier League challenge

Dec 6 2007 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

ANDRIY VORONIN believes Liverpool’s increasing firepower can help them close the gap on leaders Arsenal.

The Gunners have earned plentiful plaudits for their free-scoring ways this season, having scored 54 goals in 24 games in all competitions after their trip to St James’ Park.

However, after rediscovering their goal-scoring form in recent weeks Liverpool have now netted 51 times in 23 matches.

By comparison, champions Manchester United have scored 39 times in 22 games and Chelsea have 40 in 23.

Liverpool have a game in hand on leaders Arsenal, who extended their lead over Rafael Benitez’s third-placed side to seven points after their 1-1 draw at Newcastle United last night.

And while Voronin accepts Arsenal are in a rich vein of form this season, the Ukraine international reckons that Liverpool’s strikeforce can pose a serious threat for the championship.

“For me the aspect that really stands out is their teamwork,” said Voronin of Arsene Wenger’s league leaders. “They don’t have too many superstars but they are very talented and work really hard for each other, that’s their biggest strength.

“They are certainly one of the best sides in Europe.

“They wouldn’t be top of the league and have already guaranteed progression to the next round of the Champions League if they weren’t.

“They deserve all the respect and praise they’ve received so far.

“They have done really well but as we all know the championship is an extremely long process and we are not far behind.

“Our problem has sometimes been scoring goals, but we are certainly creating plenty of opportunities now.

“If we can carry on putting them away then there is no reason why we can’t enjoy success and be challenging for honours at the end of the season.

“I’m confident that will be the case.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher is losing his race to be fit for the Barclays Premier League visit to Reading this Saturday.

The centre-back has bruised ribs following a collision with goalkeeper Pepe Reina during the 4-0 win over Bolton Wanderers on Sunday, and Benitez is unlikely to risk the centre-back with vital games against Marseille in the Champions League and Manchester United to come the following week.

Jack Hobbs is on standby for his first league start, although Alvaro Arbeloa may be moved across to centre-back should Steve Finnan recover from a calf injury.

FOR the full interview with Andriy Voronin, read this week’s Official LFC Magazine.