Former Gunner Ray Parlour has come to the conclusion that Arsene Wenger has been playing Andrey Arshavin in the wrong position at Arsenal, but also claims the Russian’s career at The Emirates is far from secure.
The forward playmaker pulled out a superb performance on Friday night for Russia, bagging two assists in their 4-1 victory over Czech Republic.
The 31-year-old has not had the best of times at Arsenal in recent seasons and spent the last six months of the last campaign on loan at his former club Zenit St. Petersburg after falling out-of-favour at The Emirates.
However, Parlour believes the Russian international should not be fully blamed for his fall from grace at Arsenal.
Speaking on the Weekend Sports Breakfast Show on talkSPORT on Saturday, Parlour said:
‘You could say that he was played in the wrong position at Arsenal. Arsene Wenger’s always played him on the left hand side and he’s more of a central player.
‘I’m sure Arsene will be watching and wondering why he couldn’t do that for Arsenal.
‘He never played like that which is frustrating for the fans, Arsene Wenger and the players.’
Due to his poor form over the past two seasons or so, Arshavin looked set to leave the Gunners this summer. However, following Arshavin’s successful loan, Parlour is unsure what Wenger will do with the Arsenal forward:
‘Let’s see what happens with him.
‘I’m not sure whether he’ll go back to Arsenal or they’ll try and sell him.’
I for one have never doubted Arshavin’s ability. I think he is a top player, but is one that plays when he is up for it. Unfortunately, most of the time, he isn’t.
Now I don’t know whether this is because he’s being played out of position by Wenger or not, but I don’t think it helps either. Saying that though, didn’t he play wide left on Friday night?
Perhaps it isn’t the position situation after all, maybe it’s the tactics and system that Wenger uses that Arshavin isn’t comfortable with. The Gunners love to pass the ball outside the opposition box, eventually go to the wings and whip in a cross, while Russia thrive on playing through the middle, creating opportunities at will.
Personally, I think Wenger should see how Andrey performs throughout the Euros before making a decision on the Russian’s future. If he performs well then we should give him another chance to prove his worth. If the opposite happens then it’s probably best that we cut our losses.
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No, Arshavin has always been a big game player. He turns up for big matches sometimes and is anonymous during some of them too. He’s not played that well for Zenith this season at all really. He has had good moments but nothing special.
Arshavin may be one of those rare individuals who performs better for his country than for his Club.
In the match against the Czechs he seemed to hug the left side, very much like he does at the Emirates. Funny, that.
YES – I BELIEVE AW IS TO BLAME, NOT ONLY DID HE CONSTANTLY PLAY HIM OUT OF POSITION BUT IF ARSHAVIN HAD THE RUN IN THE TEAM LIKE WALLY WALCOTT DID WE WOULD HAVE SEEN THE BEST OF ARSHAVIN.
he might have been played out of position, but that still doesnt excuse him for being a lazy cunt!!!
In the 3 years he’s been at Arsenal, he only played 1 good game
Fuck off Parlour you ginger cunt
Arshavin played on both the left and right side with no claim to the centre as that was Dzagoev’s place. Where are all the morons now who will say Arshavin plays out of position when he was playing the same exact position for Russia when they crushed the Czechs.
even more he didn’t even do much defensive work in that game, while dzagoev was busting his ass up and down the field. Have fun getting Arshavin to do that much work every week for Arsenal.
AA plays best out wide left – look back at the major tournaments and you tube clips
He is happier in Russia, lost weight and playing in his last big tournament
Parlour should know better and respect AW and AFC
AW did give him a run but the fans rode him like sea biscuit and want Theo or Ox or Yossi to play instead
SY4
Its jst frustratin to see ma favourite player turn into a flop. Doesnt sound gud at all.They are loosing and im gaining. Join me now at
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Arsene Wenger persisted with clumsy Almunia for a long time. So, this is not surprising.
One of the main reasons that Arshavin plays well for Russia is that the team is set up for him to play his best … and his best is very good. At Arsenal he has been ‘restricted’ to the wide left, without the freedom to pop up anywhere. That is partly due to the need for defensive role being required, as opposed to being the outlet ball for Russia. If the promise of new signings comes to fruition then AA would be very useful as the wait for Wilshere goes on? A lot will depend if a creative midfielder is on that that shopping list. AA has settled his family in London, and like RVP, that makes it a tough decision to move on … if it is left to him?
Notice what you said – Arsenal need him to perofrm defensive duties. Setting up a team around Arshavin might fly in Russia but I certainly wouldn’t accept that at Arsenal. First of all he’s not better than RVP so if anyone gets a pass on defending it would be Van. However Van tries his best to track back even if his tackling is mediocre. You cannot play Barca ball and only have 9 outfield players doing the work while one person sits around waiting for them to get him the ball. Messi doesn’t only go forward, he joins the hunting packs to win the ball back. If this is the ideal pasing team then you need all players to pull their weight in both attack and defense.
AA breaks for Russia down the left – unlucky pass, holds head in hands while Poland attack down the RHS where AA should be and they score.
Step up now Parlour et al.
He had a great few moments as he has for AFC – I like AA but showing his frustrating side tonight as he has for us.
Don’t believe AW or AFC is to blame. He needed to drop a few pounds and deliver on a more regular basis. The premiership is demanding and unforgiving.
SY4
jack wilshere became the player he is today because he got more playing time even after some poor performance Wenger still went ahead and played him. It wasn’t so for Arshavin. he played less and his morale and confidence was at lowest possible. So I blame Wenger not partially but wholely.