Santos happy with Arsenal´s goalscoring spread

Andre Santos believes Arsenal must continue to take a collective responsibility for goalscoring if they are to end their trophy drought.

Ten different players have already found the back of the net for the club this season, and the full-back believes Arsenal’s depth means they are an attacking threat in all positions.

He also hinted at how they may even be more of a complete side following the departure of Robin van Persie.

“It is very important that a team has goals from different players,” Santos told the club’s official website.

“Sometimes to depend on only one player is very difficult and puts a lot of pressure on him, so it’s important to have the collective responsibility, which we have here at Arsenal.

“It’s important that the team relies on every player to help in every aspect, to mark, to create chances and even to score goals.”

Arsenal will look to get back to winning ways in a tough-looking home game against Schalke in the Champions League on Wednesday but Santos feels Arsenal’s attacking options at present strike fear into the opposition.

Lukas Podolski and Gervinho have scored four and five goals respectively so far this campaign and the Brazilian feels the lethal duo could link up once more to sink their opponents.

“Lukas Podolski and Gervinho are both playing very well at the moment,” Santos said. “Gervinho is playing in a different position and that allows him to have freedom and score lots of goals.

“But not only Podolski and Gervinho are doing well – the defenders are looking very strong too.

“We have the choice (of Thomas) Vermaelen, (Per) Mertesacker, (Laurent) Koscielny and (Johan) Djourou in the middle and we also have (Santi) Cazorla with the great abilities he has brought to the team.

“The Champions League is a tough competition and we have to share these responsibilities, and that’s what we’re doing at Arsenal.

“We have a strong squad both going forward and in defence and we’re all excited about this season.”

Santos feels his side will benefit from seeing off Schalke to all but secure their qualification to the knockout stages and sees no reason why the Gunners cannot go all the way this year.

“The earlier we qualify in the group stage, the better – and this will boost our confidence for the knockout stages,” he said.

“We are in a very strong position with the good start, but we are not qualified yet. We have to play a very strong team in Schalke twice yet, so we have to keep focused.

“But if we play to our potential, we are confident we can challenge for the trophy this year.”