Bosses sing Arshavin praises

Russian hailed after starring in role as central striker

Last updated: 6th December 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

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Stoke boss Tony Pulis admitted he was left in awe of Andrey Arshavin's performance during his side's 2-0 defeat to Arsenal.

The Russia international, who played as a central striker, scored the opener and Aaron Ramsey added a second in the win.

Arsenal's striking options were limited by injuries and caused Gunners boss Arsene Wenger to turn to Arshavin, who led the line from start to finish.

And both managers sang the praises of the Russian for his telling display.

"I thought Arshavin was brilliant," Pulis said.

"His movement was brilliant. They played him up front from the start and that gave him more room and license to roam.

"He caused both our centre-halves problems from start to finish. He's a great player."

Pulis also believes the Gunners still have a chance of winning their first title since 2004.

Impressed

"There's enough points in it for them to win it, there's enough there for anyone to come and win it. It's still wide open for me," he said.

Wenger was also impressed with Arshavin's contribution and may use him more in that role in the absence of his recognised strikers.

"I don't think he was a big fanatic to play centre forward but I'm convinced he can play there because he has good body power, good movement and technique," Wenger said.

"He made intelligent movements and it worked today. He got a goal but could have had two or three and overall he did very well.

"I have to try it again to see if it works, at home and away from home, and to find a balance because I have many technical players around the team - (Tomas) Rosicky, (Samir) Nasri, (Cesc) Fabregas and (Emmanuel) Eboue.

"They all can penetrate from deep positions and that's needed when you have a player like him.

"We'll see. At the moment we don't have much choice, of course. Theo Walcott is out, Bendtner is out and Robin van Persie as well."

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