I was wrong about Arshavin
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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that even he had not expected new signing Andrey Arshavin to adjust to the pace and style of the Premier League quite so quickly, but is glad he has been proved wrong.
The Russian international joined the Gunners from Zenit St Petersburg for £15 million at the end of the winter transfer window, and has made an instant impression at his new club, netting a stunning first goal against Blackburn last weekend.
The diminutive playmaker needed eight stitches in his right foot at half-time against Sam Allardyce's side, but was determined to play on and bag his first goal in Arsenal colours, with his resilience - as well as his intelligent play - impressing the Gunners boss.
"I've said in the past that we shouldn't expect too much from players that sign in January until the following season - I was obviously wrong about that for Andrey Arshavin! And I'm happy about that," he said in his programme notes ahead of Tuesday night's FA Cup clash against Hull City.
"He has personality, vision and intelligence, and he's adapted very quickly because he is resilient and works very hard. Also, because he is cup-tied in Europe, he knows he can concentrate purely on domestic football.
"Andrey had eight stitches in his right foot at half-time on Saturday. He is a tough boy though, and if you want to win things you need people like that.
Softness is detrimental to success, but he is not soft."
While, club captain, Cesc Fabregas also commented on the immediate impact Arshavin has had at the north London outfit.
"I think he's made a big difference since coming into the team and you can see straight away that he's a special player." he said."When he plays his first touch, when he goes through and dribbles, he always makes the right decision - I was very happy for him to score his first goal because I'm sure it was the first of many he will score for Arsenal.
"He certainly likes that kind of goal [against Blackburn] - in these situations defenders see such a small space that they don't think he can do anything from the byline, but small, quick players like him can produce from there. It was a great strike." -
tough boy, not like softie CR...touch him abit then roll over 3 times on the pitch...
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me too
i think hes great! really a good buy for arsenal. worth the 15million!
hope he keep up the good form/
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$tingy A$$ $tink wanker better shut up and just pay him more money.
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Originally posted by Short Ninja:
$tingy A$$ $tink wanker better shut up and just pay him more money.
what de fark? -
Then Wenger say sorry to Arshavin la
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watch him play reminds me of Pires and Bergkamp's era.. sweet
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it also remind me of pires. player who can dribble and good first touch + know the timing to make a pass and shoot.
Good signing at decent price.
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Yeah Arshavin is a great signing... seeing him plays makes me happy. Unlike before his arrival... arsenal just sucks!!!
Anyway arsenal should take more long shots. Everytime sense an opening just shoot. Be selfish, just like CR. If the keeper cannot hold onto the ball at least still can tap in. Knn dont always go for the perfect goal. I see already also very sian. Lucky got arshavin, he dares to shoot from further out, and he is the only one that does that. LAst time nasri also try, but dont know why now also try to play the perfect goal. haiz.....
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ya better to take a shot rather than being dispossesed when surrounded by defenders..at least can get corners out of it...i see his shooting not bad..can volley and everything quite powerful
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Malouda came to Chelsea with a instant hit against man utd too...
only time will tell. but i must admit i like the way he plays too. small but stands out... was it due to the fact that arsenal are mostly black thats why he stands out?
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this guy got guts to shoot, dribble, got vision and tries to be quick. He make his time worthwhile by running around a lot. (not a slacker) And he keep aiming for goals.
He can definitely be a first team player but who knows, he may get injured for many months.