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Frustrated Andrey Arshavin moans Arsenal can't win the
Premier League title with him in makeshift centre-forward role
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Making do: Andrey Arshavin has been forced
to play up front due to injuries suffered by regular strikers Robin
van Persie, Nicklas Bendtner and Eduardo Photo dailymail.co.uk
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Andrey Arshavin admits Arsenal don't have the class to match
title rivals Manchester United and Chelsea.
The dimunutive Russia international says the Gunners will never be champions
while they have to rely on him as a makeshift centre forward.
Arsenal briefly went top of the Barclays Premier League last month after
beating Bolton, but have since fallen six points off the pace following
a draw at Aston Villa and last Sunday's 3-1 humbling by Manchester United.
'Third place is where we stand today, and that is already a great success
for Arsenal when you take into account the class of our eleven players,'
said Arshavin. 'Of course, we try to win every match, but class is class.'
The 28-year-old struggled to make an impact against United after starting
as the spearhead at the Emirates. Arshavin's favoured role for Russia
is as a second striker, though he has found success for Arsenal playing
down the left wing.
'If Arsenal want to become champions, how can they select Arshavin as
centre forward?' he said. 'I am 173cm (5ft 7in) and it suits me, but next
to the big centre halves of United it is very difficult to fight for the
ball, especially in the air.'
Asked if he was criticising Arsene Wenger's selection, he revealed his
comments were instead prompted because the Arsenal boss had been unsuccessful
in the transfer window.
'It's from frustration,' explained Arshavin of his makeshift role. 'Van
Persie is injured and unlikely to play again this season. Eduardo is injured
too, but he may be ready to face Chelsea. We are in a difficult situation
when it comes to recruiting players.'
Arsenal face a tough task matching a Chelsea side who registered an impressive
3-0 win at the Emirates in November.
United's win last weekend was almost as impressive, with Arshavin surprised
at how easily his team-mate Gael Clichy succumbed to the guile of winger
Nani.
'In training it is very difficult for me to beat Clichy, but Nani made
all the play through him.'
Dailymail.co.uk,
05 February 2010
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