We were fooled into thinking he was a better player than he really was.
Arsenal signed him on 2nd of February, which was pre season in the Russian league.
The other players who had been slogging it out in the EPL for the last 6 months were physically on the decline. Although not match fit Arshavin was fresh as a daisy, and in prime physical condition.
Of course when he made his debut on the 21st of Feb he looked energetic and lively, basically a completely different player to what we saw the next season, and up too now.
I remember Any Grays comment ‘Look at the drive in him’. Referring to his sprint at the end of the game to score the 4th at Anfield. It’s obvious why he could do it at that time, and never again.
I think he has talent and on his day a very good player, but I feel he is one of those players who if he isn’t feeling 100% then he isn’t going to perform.
Arshavin the enigma
posted on 13/3/12
The OP is clueless.
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explain
posted on 13/3/12
I disagree strongly. He was a special player with exceptional talent who lost his form and confidence. I blame it on Wenger for playing him out of position.
posted on 13/3/12
I would tend to agree with Chamakh here. Clearly a fantastic player who just lost confidence as soon as it started getting a bit tougher for him. First season and a half he was here he was outstanding.
posted on 13/3/12
I didnt say he was a bad player at all. So I don't know where that came from!
All I said was he looked better when he first arrived becuase of the above. Which is a valid reason.
posted on 13/3/12
He got massively overhyped, some fans were rating him as one of the top 5 players in the world at the time. He still used to misplace a lot of passes and mishit a lot of shots, he was an excellent player at his best but never world class IMO. But he had a rubbish attitude as well.
posted on 13/3/12
I see your point Robin and you are probably right to be honest. Such a shame the way it went so downhill for him but with The Ox and Walcott himself finally looking dangerous, I won't miss him too much.
posted on 13/3/12
He is a very talented player with focus and application problems. He's unusually intelligent for a footballer, so maybe that has something to do with it. Football clearly isn't the only interest in his life.
The OP is talking about fitness, which is something he's always struggled with (even in Russia). I guess Arsene hoped he'd be able to change him into a more 'professional' player, but couldn't do it.
I still like him a lot. You have to have the lazy mercurial ones to make things interesting. Not every player should be plucky tryers like Scott Parker or Darren Fletcher.
posted on 13/3/12
the fitness required in the premiership he has struggled with. But i'm still glad we signed him as he gave us a lift and got us into the top 4.
Shame he never really stepped up from that period but oh well, we move on. The Ox, Ryo looking good on loan.
I think its time Arshavin found a new club.
posted on 13/3/12
He was talented but he was overhyped. I always got the perception that people thought of him on cesc's level, but this was never the case.
Even so, to play at the highest level you need fitness levels that go beyond what andrei offered us.
Frankly i dont miss him because he couldn't cover our full backs well enough. Look at our back four right now. Helps when you get theo , ox and even gervinho working hard and doubling up.
Yes his confidence went, but look at theo, he never hides even when he is having a mare and the crowd are on his back.
posted on 13/3/12
Arshavin is very talented but I think you have carry him as the attacking midfielder in a 4-5-1, Wenger never really played him there. Rosicky is playing that role and is transformed - mind you, Rosicky is tackling back as well.