Source: Telegraph
Arsenal players too short to challenge Premier League rivals, says Andrei Arshavin
The Emirates-based side, who earlier this week were knocked out of the Carling Cup by Manchester City, have not enjoyed the most successful of seasons so far. [LNB]Plagued by injuries to key players, Arsenal are currently 11 points behind league leaders Chelsea, and Arshavin is the first to admit that the squad is by no means up to a good enough standard to continue challenging for a top four space. [LNB] Related ArticlesWenger: no regrets about not shaking Mark Hughes' handRobin van Persie surgery 'went well': WengerArsenal lose Theo Walcott for Stoke matchSenderos may quit Arsenal for World Cup dreamArsenal v Stoke City: match previewArsenal's Carling Cup kids emphasise lack of reserve"The fact that we have lost against our direct rivals this season signifies that we are not very good," he said. "We are not very good on set pieces because we don't have many tall players - every other team has an advantage over us in this area. [LNB]Reflecting on Arsenal's loss to Chelsea last weekend, the Russian added: "They were much stronger than us when it came to physical power. [LNB]"Had we possessed a tall player then things would have been better for us. We had nobody capable of holding on to the ball. [LNB]"We played good football against all these top teams but that is not enough."[LNB]Arshavin believes it is down to manager Arsene Wenger to resolve the club's problems. [LNB]Insisting the Frenchman has the entire squad behind him, Arshavin said: "What we can change only Arsene Wenger knows. He has been at the club for 13 years and knows the problems better than anyone. [LNB]"All the Arsenal players are behind him - and if he leaves they will all leave. It would be good if the club could sign some great players. [LNB]"It is up to the manager whether he will sign a new striker in January - I have my own ideas but I won't say what they are."[LNB]
