Andrei Arshavin has been much-maligned during his time in an Arsenal shirt. Branded lazy, outspoken and at times not fit to wear the shirt.
I've long been a believer in Arshavin. I have always appreciated his openness on his performances and the performances of the Arsenal team. He's a professional that expects professional perfection. I'm rarely interested in hearing Vermaelen or Sagna singing the party line to the press, its not much different from Wengers own words and rarely gives an insight into whats really happening. Whereas Arshavin's analysis is just that bit more honest.
Arshavin this season has been a phenomenal part of the Arsenal team, his contribution in all ten games has been significant as below.
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Apps
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As sub
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Goals
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Assists
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|
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| Total (Club) | 9 | (1) | 5 | 5 | |
| League | 6 | (0) | 2 | 3 | |
| FA Cup | 0 | (0) | 0 | 0 | |
| League Cup | 1 | (1) | 1 | 0 | |
| European/Others | 2 | (0) | 2 | 2 |
5 goals in 10 games is a good ratio for a striker, let alone an attacking midfielder/inside forward like Arshavin. His assist ratio is also exemplary. Considering that Arsenal have scored an impressive 28 goals in 10 games, 2.8 goals a game on average, Arshavin's contribution of 5 goals and 5 assists is considerable.
I'm not saying he's propped up our season and without him we'd be in trouble, but I believe he is on fire at the moment and it seems to be escaping general attention. Arshavin will never be a powerhouse midfielder who runs box to box making crunching challenges and releasing players but in his role, there aren't many better.
As gooners we're lucky to have him.
WG
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