Arsenal Football Club News

• Nickname:Gunners
• Founded:1886
• Manager:Arsene Wenger

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Arshavin calls for patience

23 Feb 2009 - 11:48:39

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Andrey Arshavin has admitted he will need time to adapt to the pace of the Premier League after making his debut during Saturday's goalless draw with Sunderland.

The January transfer window signing from Zenit St Peterburg lasted an hour against the Black Cats in which he showed flashes of the ability which prompted Arsene Wenger to spend around £15million on bringing him to England.

But after his first taste of the Premier League, the Russia star has admitted he will need a period of transition.

"I enjoyed my debut in front of so many spectators but I am disappointed we did not get the result," he told the club's official website.

"I am doing everything I can to be as fully fit as soon as possible.

"I have never played in this League before, so I will have to see (how long it takes).

"If I played today in the Russian Premier League, I think I would have been okay, but the English Premier League is a different speed, it is quicker.

"I think overall it was not so much of a problem for me on the pitch, but Sunderland played very defensive. All of their players stayed in the box. It was very difficult for us.

"We tried to play for a goal and had chances, but after the game we were not so happy."