The diminutive Russian playmaker has made a big impact since his protracted transfer from Zenit St Petersburg was finally completed on deadline day and scored his first goal against Blackburn last weekend.

However, Arshavin, who is ineligible for the Champions League, claims the transition to the English game has not gone as smoothly as it may seem.

"I am just getting to know my new team-mates and so, sometimes, I do not know where I should go, where to run or how to use the space," Arshavin told Arsenal TV Online.

"Sometimes I play well, yes, but I would like to show that all of the time.

"However, it is getting better and better in each game and I will try to improve."

Arshavin played through the pain barrier against Blackburn after sustaining a nasty gash to his right foot that needed eight stitches and once again impressed in the midweek FA Cup quarter-final tie with Hull at the Emirates.

The Russian has been deployed on the flanks but would relish the chance to get at the defence from a central attacking role in this afternoon's late kick-off at Newcastle.

"The boss must decide where is best to play me but, in my mind, if Arsenal play a 4-4-2, then it is better for me to play as the second forward," Arshavin said.

"If we play 4-3-3, then I can play on the left or the right wing, it does not matter for me."

Arsenal head into a crucial stage of the season with a much more positive outlook, now back up into fourth place in the Premier League following an unbeaten run of 15 matches and also through to an FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley.

The Gunners will face Spanish side Villarreal in the last eight of the Champions League, the team they beat en route to the final in 2006 and that will present a reunion with former midfielder Robert Pires.

Boss Arsene Wenger, though, is taking nothing for granted this time around as Arsenal look to secure what could be a semi-final against holders Manchester United, who play Porto.

"It is maybe a good opportunity to play the first game away from home but, at that level, it is very difficult to be creative in your statement," he said.

"It will depend on the quality of your performance and the players available as well.

"We have learned that to knock any Spanish team out is very difficult.

"There are many big clubs in Europe who are not in the quarter-finals. We are one of the five clubs who have for 10 consecutive years qualified for the Champions League, so to go to the end of it is our immense desire."