Arsenal FC: Will Andrei Arshavin Perform to the Likes of His Season Objectives?

Last season was certainly subpar in terms of Andrei Arshavin's performance level. He scored just 10 goals for the entire season—for a player of his stature that is pretty mediocre. He has scored more goals in prior seasons, and with this dip in performance, he certainly deserves to be a member of the bench.

So far, Arsenal's season has been nothing close to reassuring, as they earned seven points in seven games. The fact that a single player hasn't been able to really step up, proves that Arsenal is bound to have a bad season. Gervinho has been playing quite well at the left wing, Arshavin's position. With his performances remaining consistently good, Arshavin will have endure a period of being on the bench.

At the beginning of the season, Arshavin had set a 15 goal objective for the season. With him set for the bench, his objective will be difficult to complete. He will have to prove to his manager that he is worth starting.

Last season, Arshavin came into the season with a lot of umph, scoring goals in many games. Although, as the season progressed, he seemed like a different player. He did score some pivotal goals—for example in the epic victory over Spanish giants Barcelona. He scored one of the great goals, along with Robin Van Persie. But pivotal goals just aren't enough. He needs to be able to score on most occasions.

When Arshavin began his career, he certainly was a player worthy of his stature. After a terrific performance in the Euro Cup in 2008, he attracted Arsenal like a bee is attracted to a flower. He had some memorable games, such as the draw against Liverpool, where he scored all four goals to make it 4-4. Initially, he certainly proved he deserved to be on Wenger's starting lineup.

Moving forward to last season, Arshavin scored a nice penalty in a 6-0 demolition of Blackpool. He also scored in the 2-1 victory over Blackburn. He scored various goals in the beginning, but once more, his performances dipped as the season progressed. Goals appeared occasionally.

Moving to this season, he needs to utilize the playing time he gets. With Gervinho playing great football, Arshavin will have to work extra hard to start. Whenever he is subbed in, he must make the most of it to prove that Wenger should keep him in. He can play some beautiful balls off of free kicks, which have produced many goals in the past.

If he can do this whenever he's played, he can certainly maintain a starting position.

Arshavin can be effective on the left wing, but for the past one or two years, he hasn't accomplished much there. He has gotten quite a few shot opportunities at goal, but they're usually placed wide with his left foot. He needs to cut in more and utilize his powerful right foot, more and more. In the Liverpool game a while back, his right foot was lethal against the Reds. If he can regain this excellent shot, he can say hello to a possible start.

Arshavin is probably the most inconsistent player on Arsenal. He can score crucial goals at times, but otherwise, he isn't much of an asset to Arsenal. Arshavin needs to maintain consistently good performances if he is to get back in the starting lineup. So far, he has scored one goal in the Premiere League against Swansea, due to a horrible goalkeeping mistake.

With the situation the Gunners are in right now, they could really use someone who can step up their game at the right time. Arshavin has done that in the past, but not on all occasions. Robin Van Persie is currently the captain, leading a recovering Gunners side. If Arshavin could find his game, he could really make magic for this lost Arsenal team. 

It might take some time for this to happen; it might not even happen. But if Arshavin can perform consistently well, then Arsenal could be headed in the right direction. I doubt anything real will happen this season, but maybe fans should already be looking forward to next season.

So do you think Arshavin can regain his once amazing form?