Remember Andrei Arshavin? That bloke who was one of the stand out players of Euro 2012? The guy Arsenal broke their transfer record to acquire. The little Russian who scored four goals at Anfield. He was a guy who won awards for being the Premier League’s most effective player, as well as picking up a Premier League Player of the Month award early on in his Arsenal career. Unfortunately that Arshavin has been missing for quite some time.
The nadir of his Arsenal career, however, may have been reached on Sunday afternoon as his cameo appearance late on against Manchester United directly led to the Red Devils scoring the goal that went on to win the game. That Arsenal fans wanted to see an 18-year-old youngster stay on the pitch in the Russian’s stead speaks volumes. That these fans were proved to be absolutely correct is an even more damning indictment.
Arshavin’s complacent attitude allowed Antonio Valencia to surge into the Gunner’s penalty area and set-up Danny Welbeck to score the winning goal.
The fans have lost faith, Arshavin has lost faith in himself and Arsenal deserve better than players who don’t have the fitness or the willpower to exert themselves fully on the football pitch. It’s time for Arshavin to move on. Lazio have made their interest clear so it’s time for Arsenal to stop playing hardball and to get rid of a player who is picking up a large weekly wage and giving little back in return.
Lazio’s sporting director Igli Tare has made the Italian sides’ dilemma clear:
“Arshavin is a great player and I think everyone would like to have him in their squad,’ said Lazio sporting director Igli Tare. But I don’t think there is any chance of seeing him in a Lazio shirt. There are a number of reasons why it would be difficult. We have never spoken with Arsenal and perhaps more importantly, I don’t think they would want to part with a top player.”
By this stage Arsenal should be willing to sell, but Lazio may struggle to meet Arshavin’s wage demands. That’s why in this case, I think Arsenal should consent to taking a massive loss on the £15m they coughed up for Arshavin in 2009. He’s now 30-years-old, out of form and going nowhere. If Lazio can only afford to pay £3m, then so be it.
Arsenal need to take drastic action and that includes getting rid of dead-weight as well as bringing in fresh talent.
Follow @ThePerfectPass on Twitter for details on all the latest updates and various football-related musings.
Introducing the neat little app that’ll pay you to view content tailored to your interests:
ThisisFutbol.com are seeking new writers to join the team! If you’re passionate about football, drop us a line at “thisisfutbol.com@snack-media.com” to learn more.
Harry accords AA the recognition to which the Russian entitled. I must reluctantly however, agre thatfor whatever reason, the man`s ability is not employed recently, to our great benifit. AW`s ambivilent treatment, though, to my mind largely responsible for AA`s attitude, can no longer justify what happened yesterday. To dwell on his cost and potential transfer value, must not take attention from the desperate need to improve the squad immediately.Unfortunately, we have a manager who had made inerta a way of life. Nobody questions his coaching ability but in seemingly, all other managerial skills, he is lacking. Somehow, many fans blame the board for not releasing the funds which could have brought us the quality players who might have at lest, checked our decline. There is little to no chance that AW will demand funds, indeed he appears to think we will come good with the present squad. He`s actually prepared to take on the best in Europe with yesterday`s team. The players must share thefan`s misgivings and, I fear. start to seek elsewhere for success. As he condones the board`s -Kroenke`s policy they can hardly sack him. We are truely up that ditch.
And now! From the massed choir of Arsene supporters – For the Last time, `In Arsene we……..` Never mind lads, I thought you both did well – even when choked on the last word.
EURO 2012?
The most important signing right now is an adequate replacement for Pat Rice. Wenger needs a right hand man that is a true tactician. My recommendations is Wilkins. The former Chelsea assistant coach.
Replace Pat Rice? I doubt wenger will listen to anyone. Least of all the fans.
Whoever we appoint, he must be a Gunner.Adams is a`take charge` guy. He`s made great efforts to widen his already formidable experience and is certainly the motivator that every player would respect. He is not the only acceptable prospect however. Keown obviously, can asses team and individual performance expertly and convey his thinking lucidly. Vierra may have acted too quickly, in joining manc. He like Henry, shares many of the other wannabes attributes. I know that within the club Bergkmp is favoured. He is now assistant to Frank de baa(whatever)at Ajax, so has experience in the position. He might also introduce their format of involving former players in their training programme – even the odd former Ajax great.Bould must be considered and is already successful with the younger prospects. There are other former gunners who would probably succeed in the position. We still retain a reputation for grooming boys into stars. This asset would be enhanced by the appointment of any of the above however. Whether this is a reason for appointing an English number two, is argueable. No established, successful manager would be prepared to come, unless assured of taking over on AW`s retirement. M. Wenger has declared that he would look no further than Stoikovic. He`s worked under AW and is a winning manager in Japan playing the Arsenal way.
the boss may have the patience, but do these young player have it? Can they with stand the pressure and burden from the fan? I strongly believe some would walk out, these will leave another stage of rebuilding another new team.