He's a curious case. Capable of turning a game in a moment, he possesses that magical vision that can win a game. However, he seems lazy, drifts in and out, and is clearly unhappy right now. What about deploying him centrally. Ramsey has struggled for form, Rosicky is incapable of playing two games a week so it seems, and the wingers are now fast enough to cover back for the lack of defensive prowess that Arshavin displays. I really think it would be worth giving him one or two games in the AM role to see how he fares. It might just reignite him.
He played there against Bolton in the Carling Cup (was there) and Arshavin scored and created a goal. But then again it was only Bolton at home.
Thats his natural position - so I am sure it would be better for him, but in our formation I am not sure it would work. He'd make no effort to track back in midfield.
He was also pretty poo for much of that game. I was a bit annoyed as I'd been waiting to see us play him there for so long and I'd been hoping for more. I appreciate a goal and assist isn't bad but it flattered his performance IMO. Maybe being in the thick of the action week in and week out would force him into putting some effort into games. As Bonstar says he's frustrating as he has talent.
His cross basically won us the game against Sunderland. I know Henry was in the right place to score, but it was put on a plate for him by Arshavin. So he can change a match in an instant. It is frustrating as he is up there with the best on his day, but his form is woefully inconsistent. Type of player who makes you want to bang your head against a wall
How many false dawns have we suffered with Arshavin? I say sell his lazy arse to the highest bidder and replace him with a go-getter.
I'd rathyer not take the risk ... thank you very much. I'm "mildly optimisitic" at this juncture, lets not spoil things now eh
This is why Arshavin is a "luxury player" maybe every other game or so he'll do nothing for 85 minutes, but in the 5 minutes he does something it's magical if you can afford to go with half a player on the pitch most of the time, you'll be repayed with magic, when the game looks abit ****, he'll pop up and score 4 or he'll do nothing for 90 minutes, but then just 1 fancy little flick and boom an amazing goal!
I always thought that Arshavin's best role was in the hole, but I'm not sure that Wenger would use a system that allows for that position.
get rid of him in the summer and buy a left footed winger to challenge walcott, gervinho and chamberlain.
Yeah but he's been played loads of times and not even produced a bit of magic for 5 minutes. Maybe it is the role he plays, but when a player can't even mae basic passes to a team mate even if being played out of position, you have to ask questions.
I've pretty much given up hope on him ever becoming the player he used to be. Hope he can still pull his weight though.
I think the only way he would regain his motivation and start playing better would be with a regular starting spot in the middle. He'd need to feel valued and perform on a more constant basis. His big opportunity to do that hasn't come. I'm surprised Ramsey has been tired out so much, I'd expected more from Arshavin with Jack out this year, but he hasn't been given a chance really.
Arshavin hasn't been given a chance ? It wouldn't be so bad if he didn't lose the ball every time he got it but he has been worse than dire. Like I said, you don't lose all semblence of being a footballer just because you are being played slightly out of position.
