Bashful Freddie bearing up to the pressure

It is easier to persuade Freddie Ljungberg to pose in his underwear for an advertising campaign than it is to get the 27-year-old Swede to talk about himself. His dress sense may suggest otherwise, but Ljungberg is no self-publicist.

His form, however, has been one of the few bright spots in a difficult spell when Arsenal have gone from invincibles to apparent novices without a win in their last five Premiership and Champions League matches.

"Let's just say I hope that I am improving as a player," said the midfielder with five goals and as many assists to his name this season.

But, while he is reluctant to discuss his value to the team, his manager is not.

"I want to keep him at Arsenal," said Arsene Wenger, and to that end, preliminary talks have opened on a new contract. "Yes, there have been talks and I have to say I enjoy life at Arsenal," said Ljungberg.

"The boss has signed a new contract and there is the new stadium to move into in two years. I am happy."

But while Ljungberg's future looks secure, of more immediate import is the mini-slump that has seen Arsenal surrender top place in the Premiership to Chelsea. Not the best of preparations ahead of the North London derby with Tottenham. Ljungberg, though, urges a sense of perspective.

"We haven't been beaten in this run since the defeat at Old Trafford," he said. "What we have to address is that we are taking the lead in games and letting the opposition come back. We are giving the ball away and every mistake is being punished. But there is no reason to panic. We didn't lose for 49 games so we have been doing something right."