
Originally Posted by
Syn
You're right. It's probably not as clear cut as I'm trying to make out. But I just don't believe it's about confidence with Arshavin. I reckon he knows he's good. I reckon he knows he's one of the best around. He has been quiet recently but back when he was a hero, he used to get interviewed a lot and he used to say things that Joe Pubteamer doesn't. He is very intelligent. IMO he's far too intelligent to lose perspective and continue playing shit because he's 'low on confidence'. His mentality isn't a problem. But I think the thrill of 'being a hero' is gone for him now and it's not worth his effort to focus on getting back to his best. I don't think he's unhappy with his role right now.
Torres? Yeah, he's probably a fanny.
I know there are plenty of examples of very talented players starting to play bad due to an injury or lack of confidence - maybe even, as you say, mismanagement. Maybe Wenger hasn't dealt with Arshavin as well as he should have. I don't doubt that. But I just can't believe that a player of Arshavin's ability can consistently misplace simple 10 yard passes without a serious lack of self-focus. At a certain stage, as a grown man of 30 years old, you have to enough pride to decide that your performances are embarrassing and it's time to improve. If Arshavin decided to improve and focus, I reckon he could turn it around. But football, now, is just a job for him and he's getting paid the same regardless.
I think Wenger hasn't managed some players well. Despite most Arsenal fans disagreeing with it, I think Walcott has good technical ability. Not on Oxlade's level but Theo can take a 50 yard pass under pressure better than most. And from the way he strikes the ball, you can tell he has good technique. But he has been held back a bit. He has been allowed to keep passing in-field instead of being told to take people on. When he came here at 17, he could take players on. I don't think I was imagining that. He could beat players. But after a few years without practice, now he can't. Anyway, forget Theo - about Andrey Depreshavin™ (Depression? Could it catch on?) he has to take the blame IMO - not Arsene.