Andrei Arshavin Key To Winning Silverware for Arsenal, but Is Time on His Side?

Andrei Arshavin has duly silenced his critics by a tantalising midweek display against Everton at the Emirates Stadium.

The Arsenal winger came off the bench for the largely ineffective Tomas Rosicky and turned the game on its heels, scoring just five minutes after coming on. His superb performance drew well-deserved applause from the Arsenal faithful, something the little Russian may have been missing over the last few weeks.

Arshavin's display was reminiscent of his first season at Arsenal, and his rise to form may not have come at a better time as the North London outfit look to defend their ranks against the mighty Catalans on home soil. With influential playmaker Samir Nasri out injured with a ruptured hamstring, Arsene Wenger may well rely on the services of Arshavin to make the difference in the tie. 

The Russian winger has never scored against the Spanish giants, and with the showdown a fortnight away, Arshavin will have everything to prove for his club and supporters alike. Having scored only eight times in 23 appearances in all competitions this season, a fairly mediocre record for his standards, a goal or two against the likes of Barcelona may do him a world of good. 

However, for the greater part of the season, the Russian has seen his fitness levels drop as opposed to previous years. He has only seldom played 90 minutes of football before being brought off to the bench by Arsene Wenger. The player himself admitted to have been "getting old," and claimed this had been affecting his performances in recent weeks. 

Whether the claims of aging have really been affecting his level of football, or if it is merely a psychological barrier, the Russian magician will always be a big part of Arsenal's quest for a quadruple trophy haul. BettingLatest.com places Arsenal at a 300/1 odds to win all four major trophies this season, a numerical metaphor that suggests it cannot be done. Will Andrei Arshavin give the bookies a run for their money? Perhaps.