I dread to think what would have happened if Arsenal had failed to grab all three points against QPR last Saturday. The response from opposition fans, from the Press and reactionary Arsenal fans would have been almost too much to bear.
Thankfully, Mikel Arteta prodded the Gunners ahead from an offside position and Arsenal secured a deserved victory. But it would be misleading to say that Arsenal were back to their best. The doubters still have plenty of ammunition to spray at optimistic Arsenal fans.
The problem, it seems, is with Arsenal’s attack. The Gunners have a solid, but over-exposed defence and a midfield with plenty of ability. But the Gunners forward line lacks quality. Olivier Giroud, is no Robin Van Persie. As such, Arsenal need to start playing to his strengths.
He’s never going to pluck the ball out of the sky and volley it across the keeper into the net (a la RVP against Everton and Liverpool). But he’s better in the air than the Dutchman, has great movement and can create all kinds of trouble from knock-downs. It was his header in a crowded area that allowed Mikel Arteta to fire home Arsenal’s winner on Saturday.
But it was Arshavin’s peach of a cross that put this move into motion. It reminded me of his cross to feed Thierry Henry last season against Leeds. The plucky Russian has been left out in the cold thus far this season, and for my money, it’s time to bring him back in.
I understand why fans have qualms when it comes to Arshavin. His time in England has verged from the superlative (4 goals at Anfield) to the absurd (being to unfit to track back). At times he has looked completely bereft of motivation.
But from what I’ve seen this season, he’s got his mojo back. He opted against signing for a Russian side last summer, because he wanted to prove himself at Arsenal. Despite having limited opportunities at the club, he’s sucked it up, kept quiet and bid his time. Now it’s time that he gets another shot.
He’s one of very few players in this Arsenal squad who care capable of moments of magic. When he’s on song, he’s absolutely unstoppable. He was fantastic against Coventry City and has looked good in his substitute appearances this season. At one stage he was even tracking back.
With no Gervinho and no Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain (and with Theo Walcott being frozen out) the little Russian has an opportunity to stake his claim. Let’s hope he can do it.
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Arshavin is in great form and Arsenal should make the best out of him now.
He has not been proprely utilised. That’s why he can’t show his true form.With the gunners goal threat showing signs of a freeze,perhaps he could be the catalyst.
Red faced will be fired to win after his ref assisted victory. This is the perfect opportunity to put a dampener on his ambition.
If the Russian is played in his best position,he could,imho, cause mayhem in the red faced defence.
Btw,I hope the ref who helped him to win is banned for the good of the game.The refs body has come out to support him. Bear in mind the chief is one ref who gave red faced thirteen penalties
when he was officiating. A conspiracy?
You tell me.