Asharvin: Why is he not shinning?

[fakeyank]

Wenger

[Ernesto]

Arshavin, as people have pointed out, isn't playing in the correct position. He isn't being utilised to his fullest, and that's the reason he isn't shining.

Many of our players were bought as out-and-out strikers only to try and become wing players. Arshavin, Walcott, Vela, Gervinho and even Bentdner when he's called upon as a sub. These players are criticised when they don't pull their weight but Wenger isn't entirely blameless in all this. How on earth do you expect a player like Arshavin to to beat his man and whip a cross in a la Overmars, Henry and Ljungberg when pace clearly isn't the Russian's strong point? I've been saying for a couple of weeks now that the lack of pace in this squad now is shocking and it will be telling today, too.

With Arshavin in particular, it's a real shame. I said at the time that we didn't need him (in January 09) but he was billed to be this "marquis" signing. The one player who would be enough to express Wenger's intent. The player that would be enough to keep the likes of Fabregas, Nasri and RvP at the club. Maybe he did, who knows? Maybe he delayed the departure of Nasri and Fabregas, it's hard to say.

If, however, Arshavin is played as a striker, I can't help but think he'd fail miserably in the Premiership. People are saying play him in a Bergkamp role, but even that's difficult. He doesn't have the Dutchman's height in order to bring the ball down, he doesn't have anywhere near the same ball control or passing ability and, more often than not, he won't have anyone in front of him to play through balls into.

When all is said and done, though, I quite like the idea of having Arshavin at the club. There is an uncanny "wow" factor he brings to any line-up and we still think he's capable of another well overdue performance like at Anfield.

[Joker]

Darth Vela's right in that some of the basic errors that Arshavin's been making (crap first touch, poor passing etc) can't simply be down to being played out of position. I agree that he's not as effective out wide as he would be in a central position, but that's no excuse for getting the basics wrong as he so often does these days. Sure, Bergkamp would have been much less effective playing wide, but he would still be able to make 5 yard passes, and be able to control the football.

[Power n Glory]

Wenger

Darth Vela's right in that some of the basic errors that Arshavin's been making (crap first touch, poor passing etc) can't simply be down to being played out of position. I agree that he's not as effective out wide as he would be in a central position, but that's no excuse for getting the basics wrong as he so often does these days. Sure, Bergkamp would have been much less effective playing wide, but he would still be able to make 5 yard passes, and be able to control the football.

He may be low on confidence. When your confidence goes, the basics go out the window as well.

[RomfordPele]

Combination of all of the above for me:

1. He's lost confidence, motivation and pace.
2. He's been played out of position.
3. He eats too many fecking pies.

Will score today though. Guarantee it.

[SayNoMore]

Pop him in the middle, tell him he is now the main guy at afc, and he will shine. Simples. One of the best attackers at Arsenal and when on form hes on of the best in the league. Even if hes lost a yard of pace its fine, he doesnt need to beat anyone like on the wings, just direct the play and he's good enough to contribute with a lot of assists and goals.

[alexander]

With Arshavin in particular, it's a real shame. I said at the time that we didn't need him (in January 09) but he was billed to be this "marquis" signing. The one player who would be enough to express Wenger's intent.

I would say he played a very large part in getting us back into the CL in those last few months of that season, we were struggling at the time tbh

[Fats]

Good player but lazy, unmotivated and homesick.

Shame but there it is sould have moved him on.