London, Dec. 12 (ANI): Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano insists that Arsenal striker Andrey Arshavin won’t be able to repeat his four-goal barrage in tomorrow’s clash.

Arsenal’s Russian agent rocked Liverpool in a pulsating 4-4 draw at Anfield in April.

“Arshavin was enormous against us last season but there will not be a repeat. The madness of last season is not possible again. We have learned how to stop him and I am convinced he will not create problems for us this time,” The Sun quoted Mascherano, as saying.

“Cesc Fabregas is the key for the Gunners. Arshavin is dangerous but without Fabregas’ work things can change. He is decisive and it’s our mission to make sure he doesn’t feel comfortable,” he added.

Liverpool have had a nightmare start to the season, slipping 12 points off the pace and crashing out of the Champions League at the group stages.

Tomorrow they face third-placed Arsenal, knowing defeat would leave them seven points adrift of the Gunners.

With Manchester City, Spurs and Aston Villa performing well, there are even question marks over whether the stumbling Kop giants will be in Europe at all next time around - leave aside the Champions League.

But Mascherano said: “We had Fernando Torres back against Fiorentina in midweek, Stevie Gerrard is getting fitter with every game and Alberto Aquilani started as well.

“All those things can only be good for us. We know we’re a better team than we have shown.” (ANI)