Andrey Arshavin: Arsenal can't defend

08 December 2010 12:05
Boring, boring Arsenal? Arshavin yawns in training[LNB]Andrey Arshavin chuckled his way through an astonishingly frank assessment of Arsenal's defensive deficiencies, but the consequences of a leaky back-line could yet be deadly serious for Arsene Wenger when the silverware is handed out. [LNB]It seems the Russian's public speaking repertoire is not restricted to impassioned arguments about his country's suitability to host a World Cup. [LNB]His speech was certainly a vote winner, although Jack Wilshere may never forgive him after Arshavin revealed: 'After I came back Jack said to me, "Look what you've done. I dreamed of lifting the trophy here in England in 2018".' [LNB]Arshavin might have a bit more explaining to do to his team-mates after it transpired he is equally adept at holding everyone's attention when it comes to delivering his refreshingly honest opinion regarding Arsenal's frailty at the back. [LNB]'We struggle all the time in defence,' he said. 'We have to score more than we concede. That's it. Of course, we try to improve... but we can't.' [LNB]His words were said in the manner of a naughty schoolboy, and Arshavin could yet find himself in the headmaster's office for having the temerity to utter them in public. [LNB]But there can be no denying that Arsenal's defence has struggled this season and if FK Partizan can exploit that weakness then Wenger's side could be crashing out in the initial group stage of the Champions League tonight for the first time in 11 seasons. [LNB] In the running: Arshavin (third left) sports pink boots in training at London Colney[LNB]At least Arshavin was prepared to concede that Arsenal's poor defending is a problem that needs to be addressed collectively. [LNB]'It doesn't always depend on the defenders,' he said. [LNB]'Sometimes I can't run and that's whysometimes I let my defenders make the cross and get forward to score. We must improve as a team on our defending. Normally I can't go through the defenders in training.' [LNB]Arshavin's admission came in responseto a question about whether Arsenal can beat the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich. It was pertinent since a second-place finish in Group H could see Arsenal cross swords with one of those continental giants who between them have won the European Cup 16 times. [LNB]To progress to the knockout stage, the Gunners must match Braga's result away to Shakhtar Donetsk. To win it they must beat Partizan and hope Braga can do the same in the Ukraine. [LNB]Arshavin is not holding out much hope. 'We have no chance of finishing top,' he said. 'Shakhtar will be first. It disappoints me.' Even so, the prospect of facing a big gun so early in the competition does not faze Arshavin. [LNB]He said: 'Arsenal always wants to winthe Champions League and if you want to do that you will have to play good teams like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Man United and Chelsea. It doesn't matter when.' [LNB] Frailties: Diomansy Kamara (second left) scores for Fulham against Arsenal at the weekend[LNB]Eye on the prize: Arshavin in Zurich last week[LNB]Wenger will certainly hope so after admitting his decision to field weakened teams away to Shakhtar and Braga had backfired - a win against the Ukrainian champions on match dayfour would have secured top spot for Arsenal. [LNB]'We were in a position where we couldmanage the position as we had nine points,' said Wenger. [LNB]'We thought, "OK, we can rotate". It didn't work in the Champions League, I must admit, but it worked in the championship (the Premier League) because we always got good results away.' [LNB]Arsenal did indeed beat Aston Villa 4-2 away after the defeat in Braga. But after losing at Shakhtar with a weakened team, Wenger's side suffered a home defeat by Newcastle. [LNB]In addition, Wenger's side could onlymanage a 1-1 draw away to Sunderland on the back of thumping Braga 6-0 at the Emirates and followed up their 3-1 away win away to Partizan by losing 2-0 at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea. [LNB]With their passage to the knockout phase still in the balance, Wenger does not have the luxury of resting big names on Wednesday night, despite their next game being away to Manchester United on Monday. [LNB]'Since the start of the season I rotate for nearly every single game - when it is needed - and I do not consider who we play,' said the Arsenal boss. [LNB]'There are five days between this game and the United match so I do not consider it.' Cesc Fabregas will not feature tonight, although according to Wenger he has a 'small chance' of making the trip to Old Trafford. [LNB]Fabregas has had his wisdom teeth removed and although this has been undertaken to cure footballers' back and hamstring troubles in the past, Arsenal insist the procedure is not connected to his injury. [LNB] Enlarge Their skipper aside, it will be as full a strength side as Wenger can field against the Serbian champions.to rely on outscoring their opponents because the Gunners can't defend. [LNB] Wenger confident Arsenal will beat Partizan in Champions League battleFulham and Arsenal move in on Saints starlet Oxlade-ChamberlainARSENAL v Partizan Belgrade: Laurent Koscielny given green light by GunnersARSENAL FC

Source: Daily_Mail