Source: Daily_Mail
Anfield wonder strike topped my four goal haul, says Arsenal hero Arshavin
Thumbs up: Arshavin salutes his strike at Anfield[LNB]Andrey Arshavin says his weekend wondergoal against Liverpool surpasses his four-goal haul he achieved against the Reds last season.[LNB]The Russia striker well and truly introduced himself to English football in April by scoring all of Arsenal's goals in a 4-4 draw at Anfield.[LNB]But Arshavin is even more pleased with his rasping effort from the edge of the box on Sunday, which left Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina stunned and Arsenal with a 2-1 win.[LNB]'It was a case of one goal being much more valuable than four,' said the 28-year-old. [LNB]'One of the guys passed it from the right, then Theo jumped slightly under the ball, I jumped out from behind the defender, controlled the ball and then all I had to do was to drive it in.'[LNB]What is even more remarkable is that Arshavin blasted home with an injured right foot, which had been giving him problems in training leading up to the match.[LNB]He was replaced late in the game by Aaron Ramsey but insists he will not give boss Arsene Wenger any more selection headaches by the time Wednesday's trip to Burnley comes around.[LNB]'When I struck the ball, the pain worsened,' said Arshavin. [LNB]'The instep of my foot has been causing me pain for a long time, but I want and I will play in the next game. If you get out on the pitch, you just endure it and play.'[LNB]Arsenal turned around the match after some stern words at half-time from Wenger, who suggested the Gunners struggled with confidence against big clubs after losing to Manchester United and Chelsea earlier this season.[LNB] Kop that: Arshavin says his strike at Anfield surpasses his four goal haul at Liverpool last season[LNB]Dirk Kuyt's goal separated the teams at half-time, but a 50th-minute Glen Johnson own goal, eight minutes before Arshavin's strike, turned the tables.[LNB]'In the second half we showed our character,' said Arshavin. [LNB]'We pressed our opponents, and it appeared that Liverpool were not so strong in creating attacks. [LNB]'We were able to score two goals and it is important that our defense was able to play very safe, not allowing the opponent to create anything dangerous at the (Manuel) Almunia's goal.[LNB]'In the first half, Liverpool dominated. They forced us to play their way. The fans sang and drove them forward. The hosts built the game in such way that we could not even get close to their goal. [LNB]Shining light: Arshavin says Liverpool will benefit from Fernando Torres' return to fitness[LNB]'Their attacks, on the contrary, led to a goal.'[LNB]The result leaves Arsenal six points off the top of the table with a game in hand on leaders Chelsea, while Liverpool are 13 points off the pace with just three wins in the last 15 matches.[LNB]However, Arshavin still expects the Merseysiders to qualify for next season's Champions League competition.[LNB]'They are a strong team,' said the former Zenit St Petersburg star. [LNB]'(Fernando) Torres is back in full training. I think that if they win two or three games over the big clubs, they'll become favorites again. [LNB]'Probably, it will be extremely difficult for them to take first place, but I think that they will certainly fight for a place in the top three. [LNB]'They are going to play many games at their home stadium, where the fans will only drive them forward. [LNB]'Therefore, it is good that we are coming back to London from this stadium with three points.[LNB] Xabi Alonso cut loose and not replaced, injuries to the likes of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, Rafa Benitez, beach balls, bad refereeing and more - Sportsmail sums up Liverpool's decline and fall Carlton Cole set to snub Spurs, Arsenal and Liverpool to stay at West Ham Jamie Carragher: I'm praying to God in bid to save Liverpool's season from becoming a disasterYou're not fit to wear the shirt! Wenger blast inspires Arsenal win at Liverpool Shattered Liverpool will get their confidence back insists Arsenal boss Arsenal Wenger Liverpool 1 Arsenal 2: Rafa fails to make cut! Like Woods, it gets worse Explore more:People:Glen Johnson, FERNANDO TORRES, Dirk Kuyt, Andrey Arshavin, Arsene WengerPlaces:London, Liverpool, Russia
