Arshavin has shown at Euro 2012 that he is clearly talented. So why has he disappointed at Arsenal?
Andrei Arshavin was in many ways an experiment by Arsene Wenger, a signing which fans viewed as the missing piece in their jigsaw puzzle.
He was the type of signing fans had been crying out for, an established international star who at 27 was entering his peak, and had shown his talent on the biggest stage months earlier at Euro 2008.
Four years on he continues to make waves for Russia, but his time at Arsenal has been underwhelming with some notable highlights.
His most memorable moments include the four goals he scored in a 4-4 draw at Anfield, and the winner against Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League final clash two season ago.
This season really should have been one where he stepped up, especially with Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas departing, but even early on the the campaign when Arsenal struggled, you would have assumed it was an inexperienced youngster wearing his shirt, not an international player.
His lowest moment came at the Emirates against Manchester United in January, where he was blamed by a section of support for failing to track back effectively for Welbeck’s winner, but even before that when he came on the decision was boo-ed by fans who did not want to see Oxlade-Chamberlain taken off.
Soon after he was loaned out to Zenit St Petersburg, with Arsene Wenger intimating that he was of little use to the Gunners for the remainder of the campaign.
He played well for Zenit, looking comfortable in his surroundings, scoring 3 goals in 11 appearances, compared to 2 in 26 for Arsenal this season.
Russia are currently reaping the rewards of a confident Arshavin, excellent against the Czech Republic and effective if less dazzling against Poland last night, he leads the tournament in assists so far with three.
The issue of his failure at Arsenal comes down to two men, Arshavin himself, and manager Arsene Wenger- both are equally culpable.
Wenger knew when he signed him that the Russian’s most effective position was in the centre, yet insisted on playing him out wide – mostly on the left with little license to drift inside. It is a position Arshavin finds more restricting, but having a free playmaker behind the striker in the centre is not Arsenal’s style.
For Russia whether he starts centrally or on the left, he is allowed more of a free role to express himself, and he is showing just how effective he can be.
But rather than trying to restricting him solely to a position on the left wing, it can be argued that Wenger should have changed his formation to accommodate Arshavin to be able to drift inside centrally or even starting in the middle, even if it meant buying an extra defensive midfielder to give him extra freedom.
Arshavin too must take responsibility. Soon after arriving at Arsenal it became clear his fitness levels were not up to standard to complete 90 minutes in the Premier League, and he started making noises about dissatisfaction with life in London.
The lack of commitment off the pitch has manifested itself on it, and supporters have become fed up with below par performances.
Now Arsenal have to decide what to do with him. They may never get a better moment to sell him. He is 31, and he will be in demand after his Euro 2012 showing. He could fetch a bid of around £8 million, but this could grow as Russia progress.
Arsenal should not be swayed by a few decent performances for his country, it is hard to believe he will come back to the Emirates a changed player. Wenger must bear his responsibility in failing to get the Russian playing to his potential on a regular basis, but the player needs to look in the mirror too.
How do you feel about Arshavin and Arsenal? Time to move him on?
image: © Ronie Macdonald
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