Arshavin 'baffled' at Arsenal

Russian forward bemused by wide role

Last updated: 12th May 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Arshavin 'baffled' at Arsenal

Arshavin: Left baffled

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Andrey Arshavin has admitted he is 'baffled' by Arsene Wenger's decision to employ him in a left midfield role for Arsenal.

The Russia international moved to Emirates Stadium in a £15million deal from Zenit St Petersburg in the winter transfer window after a lengthy and protracted negotiation.

Arshavin has already made an impact for the Gunners, scoring six goals in 10 Premier League starts, including his astonishing quadruple in the memorable 4-4 draw with Liverpool at Anfield.

The gifted playmaker claims he still has doubts over whether he will be able to make his mark in England, but those concerns are mainly because of the position he is asked to fill by Wenger.

The French tactician has often employed Arshavin, who prefers to operate in a more central role, on the left of midfield.

Baffled

Arshavin told the Russian media: "The target for my first three months here was not to score a certain number of goals but to discover whether I could play in England or not.

"Sometimes I feel I can do well here but other times I don't - and that's probably because I am playing as a left midfielder.

"I still can't get used to the idea that I am capable of playing there and, frankly, having to do it keeps me baffled.

"I don't know if I can play so well as a left winger or if it is just God taking care of me."