Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that even he
had not expected new signing Andrey Arshavin to adjust to the pace
and style of the Premier League quite so quickly, but is glad he
has been proved wrong.
The Russian international joined the Gunners from Zenit St
Petersburg for £15 million at the end of the winter transfer
window, and has made an instant impression at his new club, netting
a stunning first goal against Blackburn last weekend.
The diminutive playmaker needed eight stitches in his right foot
at half-time against Sam Allardyce's side, but was determined to
play on and bag his first goal in Arsenal colours, with his
resilience - as well as his intelligent play - impressing the
Gunners boss.
"I've said in the past that we shouldn't expect too much from
players that sign in January until the following season - I was
obviously wrong about that for Andrey Arshavin! And I'm happy about
that," he said in his programme notes ahead of Tuesday night's FA
Cup clash against Hull City.
"He has personality, vision and intelligence, and he's adapted very
quickly because he is resilient and works very hard. Also, because
he is cup-tied in Europe, he knows he can concentrate purely on
domestic football.
"Andrey had eight stitches in his right foot at half-time on
Saturday. He is a tough boy though, and if you want to win things
you need people like that.
Softness is detrimental to success, but he is not soft."
While, club captain, Cesc Fabregas also commented on the immediate
impact Arshavin has had at the north London outfit.
"I think he's made a big difference since coming into the team and
you can see straight away that he's a special player." he said.
"When he plays his first touch, when he goes through and
dribbles, he always makes the right decision - I was very happy for
him to score his first goal because I'm sure it was the first of
many he will score for Arsenal.
"He certainly likes that kind of goal [against Blackburn] - in
these situations defenders see such a small space that they don't
think he can do anything from the byline, but small, quick players
like him can produce from there. It was a great strike."
