Granted he was off form (clearly) last season, but i like him and hes a good player... if we play him as a forward/2nd forward, instead of on the wing. Not only that, i like him and he makes me laugh - ever since trying to come on he pitch in a bobble hat until Wenger pulled it off last minute lol
He must rediscover himself as a supersub. Whatever his form he still can unlock the defence. (RE last Henry goal)
I would keep him. He has class and could be nice weapon when teams start to defend with 10 men. He can unlock defences, Podolski, Walcott and Gervinho rely more on gaps to sprint through but become ineffective when the opponent defend to the max.
How many times would you have used him as the 70min sub last season instead of some of the other options we had? Me? About 90% of the time. He did look unfit to play a full game but I can't remember a single time where he came as a sub and didn't offer something new for us. He can make things happen from a dead play, isn't shy of taking a shot now and again, makes runs through thick defenses... The Henry goal was a great example last season. We had a full team of "hard working" players who looked completely lost, Arshavin came in as a sub looking calm as usual and made a play out of nothing for Henry to score. I don't know if he'll ever be fit to play a 90 minute game at this point, but if he's happy to contribute 60 minutes as a starter, or 25-30 minutes as a sub every game, his creativity would be welcome. He has shown that he is able to unlock games. I think him coming on as a sub and Gervinho alternating on the right could be a nightmare for defenses. I've said this before (mostly as a Walcott bash ), but if the same argument of "useless for large portions of the game" was such a valid excuse Walcott should have been out of this club ages ago.
Arshavin has always had the talent to be one o the best in the world but he's lazy, arrogant and seems more interested in being a celebrity than a footballer. For a player of his ability he has put in some disgusting performances for Arsenal. Personally I don't think he dee serves another chance.
I'm conflicted on this issue. If the reports are true and we're offloading Squillaci, Bendtner and Vela then we might as well keep him and use him as a supersub. I don't think the idle git would mind a peripheral role tbh and he can offer something different when we need a goal.
I'd keep him, i've been saying for ages he could be the option for us as a CAM, he has all he ability, and it is his preferred position.
Give him one last chance. He's not been a complete flop, he's demonstrated brilliance on occasion and if he puts some sodding effort in then maybe we'll see flashes of it again. Even if he's never at his 2008 peak again, I still think he could do a job in midfield, and with the colourful injury records of Rosicky, Wilshere, Diaby et al. it couldn't hurt to have some depth.
I wouldnt mind having him back playing in the Rosicky posistion as lets face it he can score goals and make assist which Rosicky cant do. If worst came to worst and we didnt sign anyone else id play him in the Middle in a no10ish role. Walcott - --------Gervinho ---------Arshavin --------Giroud
Cant say I would like that forward line at all. none of those players would offer any assistance to the midfield when we need to defend. personally i would like to see.... OXO/wal-------Podolski------Cazorla -----------------Giroud---------------- Podolski should play down the middle. He offers pace, power and aggression.
He need to play in the CAM role when he on the wing we only see 40% of this player hopefully we will play players in there right position this season like Walcott.
I reckon he's worth keeping and working out how to get the best out of him, seems like a lot a few players haven't progressed as expected and you wonder whether it's all about the players not being good enough (eg, was hoping to see Vela turn into a first-teamer and I'm sure Denilson was really highly rated originally).
My club, Fulham, have been linked with a move for Arshavin. Now, leaving aside the issue that I don't think it would actually happen, do you think this would be a good move for him and for us? He is clearly a good enough player for the Premiership when he's on song. But do you think he'd be motivated playing for a smaller club? Could we get the best out of him? Would you even be interested in selling him to another Premiership club? Opinions appreciated!
I think if we get Cazorla, I can't see Arshavin getting a game. He is potentially going to be behind Cazorla, Podolski, Gervinho, and Ox. I just can't see him making it onto the pitch. I think he might be a good option for Fulham or another side. I think he is better as a striker in a 4-4-2.
