Arsenal forward Andrey Arshavin has stoked the fires
ahead of the Gunners' weekend trip to face Premier League
champions-elect Manchester United, by claiming the Red Devils would
be weak without Cristiano Ronaldo.
The diminutive Russian was sent home from training last week due
to illness, forcing him to miss the club's humiliating 4-1 defeat
to Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.
And he was also absent from Arsenal's 3-1 Champions League
semi-final defeat to Sir Alex Ferguson's side through
ineligibility, with Ronaldo netting twice, including a long-range
free-kick after just 11 minutes to all-but ended the Gunners' slim
hopes of reaching the Rome final (pictured).
The 27-year-old is now eager to return and help Arsene Wenger's
side gain revenge for their European exit to United, and stall
their league title celebrations in the process, with the Red Devils
needing a draw to secure their 18th domestic crown.
"The Portuguese forward generally means a lot for them, take him
away and United would be much weaker," he said.
"We'll only manage to win if we can find their weaknesses, which
is not easy. On the surface only strong features are visible.
"A very good goalkeeper, probably the best defence in the world,
and a perfect attacking line with Rooney, Berbatov and particularly
Ronaldo."
