Arsenal : Are you Arshavin a larf?
Posted by Gringo Maclure in Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, Arshavin, EURO 2008 | 3 February 2009
The most protracted transfer saga of the recent window has finally come to an end with Arsenal securing the signature of Andrey Arshavin, the tricky little Russian who so impressed in Euro 2008. But is "the next Zico" (as Brazilians call him) going to adjust to the Premiership and can he kickstart Arsenal's campaign to finish in the top 4?
The Arsenal website describes the club's new signing like this: "His versatility has allowed him to play in a variety of positions... [he] started his career as a right midfielder, but has since played as an attacking midfielder and more recently has filled the ‘second striker’s’ role".
Wenger has made an art form out of buying players in this position - was it not Henry who was brought in as a right midfielder and turned into a striker? Indeed, Arsenal's summer signings of Ramsay and Nasri would suggest that Arsene is trying to build a team of 11 nippy attacking midfielders. When and if Rosicky, Eduardo, Fabregas, Van Persie and Walcott are all fit together there will be quite a competition for places.
On paper, Arsenal's real needs would seem to be elsewhere. Fans have been hankering for a Vieira-type holding midfielder, a gap yet to be adequately filled since the departure of Gilberto and Flamini. Equally, with an aging Silvestre and Gallas, some have wondered if Wenger should've spent big to bring some stability to the back 4.
But, if Arsene really knows best, the signing of Arshavin may be a real coup for the Gunners. In actual fact, Arsenal's defense have remained relatively sound as of late - only 3 goals conceded in the last 7 fixtures. The problem is at the other end where goals have been drying up. Back in 02 and 04 when Arsenal dominated the Premier League, Wenger's men had a habit of scoring early and controlling the game through the 90 minutes. Recent form suggests the battle comes in the last 10 or 15 minutes which is exhausting for players and not always successful - case in point, the most recent nil all with West Ham.
The ability to unlock tight defenses is what is needed in the absence of Fabregas. A quick look at some Arshavin videos on YouTube suggests we may have found our man. How he fits into the squad when everyone is fit is another matter.
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