Arshavin wrecking Arsenal's season? Surely it's the other way round
By Ashley Gray




His biggest crime on Sunday seems to be that he was brought on for a player who was enjoying a flying first league start.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, with his dynamic wing play, hunger and demeanour, represented the antithesis of Arshavin, but the substitute can hardly be blamed for his manager's decision.

The over-the-top criticism and analysis of his role in Danny Welbeck's winner would not have come had it not been for the displeasure at Oxlade-Chamberlain's departure. Singling out Arshavin fit the narrative, the scapegoat easily identified.

Yes, a more defensively apt player might have dealt with Antonio Valencia better, but Arshavin was not the only man culpable if we break it down.

@ Daily Mail http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2091097/Andrey-Arshavin-ruined-Arsenal.html#ixzz1kO5Oc2wf