Source: PA
Arshavin: Effective but not sparkling
Andrey Arshavin believes he has become "more effective" since joining Arsenal - even if the Russian playmaker feels he is now "less sparkling".
The 29-year-old has been something of an enigma for the Gunners since his £15million arrival from Zenit St Petersburg during January 2009.
Capable of moments of sheer genius - including a memorable four-goal salvo at Liverpool - Arshavin has also been a great source of frustration for Gunners fans as he often drifts in and out of matches.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger feels much of that malaise was down to a combination of bitter disappointment at Russia missing out on qualification for the World Cup as well as a string of niggling injuries.
Arshavin has impressed during the opening three matches of the new Barclays Premier League season, netting two goals - including the winner at Blackburn last weekend and the Russian admits he is puzzled by his inconsistencies.
"The year and a half in England has significantly changed me," Arshavin told Russian newspaper Sport-Express. "I became calmer, more professional and spend more time with my family. As for football I can say that my style has also altered - it is more effective, but less sparkling. I don't remember when was the last time I scored a really beautiful goal. It is frustrating. I tried to analyse this, but can find no answers."
