Chamakh training to be a 'killer'

Marouane Chamakh insists that for him to succeed in English football he has to force himself to be a 'killer'.

The Moroccan striker was signed by Arsène Wenger on a free transfer from Bordeaux this summer and has had to adapt quickly, due to injuries to Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner.

The 26-year-old remembers how difficult he found his first game against Liverpool, but thinks he has done well to improve since then, netting his tenth goal of the season to become the team's top scorer with his strike against Aston Villa at the weekend.

On his time in the Premier League, he said: "My first match in the Premier League against Liverpool? My memory is my chest burning after 13 minutes.

"I am looking at the clock and I could not believe it. It went so quick, I was looking for fresh air. I did not believe I would be able to hold on for 90 minutes.

"It is so difficult here that you must force yourself to be a killer. I have been building myself into that state of mind for the last four months, and you can see the result with the statistics."

Chamakh gained a reputation in France for being a tall target man, but he admits he wants to be more than that for the Gunners, and hopes to reach the level of the likes of Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres.

He said: "It is not Chamakh just with his headers anymore. I can also show I am at ease in a quick-passing game. With boys like Fabregas and Nasri, you have to.

"Drogba, Torres, Rooney? I don't feel as good as those guys.

"I would be so happy to reach such a level one day. I know I can reach it, at least I am working for it.

"I can feel the coach has planned me that way. But I am still far away."

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