Arsharvin Finally Has a Convincing Showing

In the past couple of games my friends and I have continuously picked on the performance of the Little Russian Maestro. I have found it more interesting to imagine if(just like i am listening to Rihanna's single, Russian Roulette!!), this man of amazing abilities is playing that dangerous game. 

My argument is so often harped on his complacency which can be frustrating at times, especially knowing his abilities and God-given talent. In the past five games or so, he has been missing in games more times than his smile has come to surface. He loses the ball as often as Diaby, gives up on the tackle as often as, Diaby, makes the wrong decision in front of goal as often as(not Diaby again!!!), Eboue!!!!!! For someone with the all but the small matter of imposing physical presence, and i can mention a load of what this man can do, without a bit of a worry about how to make my English sound so British!!!!

Rarely would you find a player who can hold-up the ball with easy(Zidane), control the ball without a sniff of an effort(Bergkamp), dribble without considering the implication on who he does it to(JayJay Okocha), shoot without both feet as accurately(Gerald), spot the pass before the opposing manager sights the hole(Fabregas), switch wings with aplomb(Robert Pires), track back(Ray Parlor), show a calmness in one-on-one situations with goal keepers(Henry), try the audacious(Nwankwo Kanu) and yet not come from the streets of Rio De Janerio.............

In the games I have been hounding about, he displayed a lack of commitment and decided when to come into the picture, usually late on. He tried so hard to attempt the catchy dribble, pass the ball too quickly(only considering a return to him in those instances) looked to score the Goal of the Season, and felt like Clichy did not deserve cover. The effect being that most attacks where broken down in the most delicate of position in the attacking third, exposure of our Centre Backs when Clichy moved up to push attack, loads of goals conceded from the left side of defense, and the head of his teammates dropping especially because he is seriously looked up to.

Lo and behold, the return of Nasri and Rosciky did the trick last night. He had to stake a claim to his position in the starting line up, put a marker down for his teammates and let the manager have the nice piece of splitting headache that comes with team selection.

His movement, defense splitting passing and confidence on the ball and off it were exemplary. It is no mean fit to make three assists in any game and even when e did not shoot as often at goal as expected he put in a shift worth all the pounds his accountant has to work around week in, week out. No wonder Arsene Wenger had this to say about his performance;

"Arshavin was outstanding today because he gave the ball every time at the fraction of a second you wanted him to give the ball. That's top, top quality." and 

"Yes. Our policy is to develop our own players and add players of special quality and Vermaelen and Arshavin are two good examples. Contrary to what people say I am not scared to spend money but what we want is to buy the players who have the needed quality to strengthen the team. We have only players here who can play and pass the ball, and score. Arshavin can be a decisive passer of the ball."

If the performance is repeated every game and with goals to compliment it, Need i say more......?