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Arsenal players too short to challenge Premier League
rivals, says Andrei Arshavin
Andrei Arshavin believes a lack of tall players
in the Arsenal squad puts the club at a distinct disadvantage when compared
with their Premier League rivals.
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Not cutting it: Andrei Arshavin says Arsenal
are lacking in height. Photo: PA
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The Emirates-based side, who earlier this week were knocked
out of the Carling Cup by Manchester City, have not enjoyed the most successful
of seasons so far.
Plagued by injuries to key players, Arsenal are currently 11 points behind
league leaders Chelsea, and Arshavin is the first to admit that the squad
is by no means up to a good enough standard to continue challenging for
a top four space.
"The fact that we have lost against our direct rivals this season
signifies that we are not very good," he said. "We are not very
good on set pieces because we don't have many tall players - every other
team has an advantage over us in this area.
Reflecting on Arsenal's loss to Chelsea last weekend, the Russian added:
"They were much stronger than us when it came to physical power.
"Had we possessed a tall player then things would have been better
for us. We had nobody capable of holding on to the ball.
"We played good football against all these top teams but that is
not enough."
Arshavin believes it is down to manager Arsene Wenger to resolve the club's
problems.
Insisting the Frenchman has the entire squad behind him, Arshavin said:
"What we can change only Arsene Wenger knows. He has been at the
club for 13 years and knows the problems better than anyone.
"All the Arsenal players are behind him - and if he leaves they will
all leave. It would be good if the club could sign some great players.
"It is up to the manager whether he will sign a new striker in January
- I have my own ideas but I won't say what they are."
Telegraph.co.uk,
04 Dec 2009
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