23. Andrey Arshavin

Andrey arrived at Emirates Stadium in one of last season’s most protracted transfer sagas. He was definitely worth the wait.

The Russian playmaker proved almost instantly that he is a world-class talent who can make a big difference to this Arsenal side.

He scored an outstanding goal against Blackburn to open his account – finding the top corner from an improbable angle – and hit all four in arguably the match of the season as Arsenal and Liverpool shared eight goals at Anfield.

Andrey’s vision, technical ability and eye for goal gave Arsenal an extra dimension and one stat summed up his impact perfectly. When the Russian was in the side last season, Arsenal averaged 2.42 goals per game. When he was sidelined, that dropped to 0.5.

Andrey moved to Arsenal from his home-town club, Zenit St. Petersburg after helping them lift the Uefa Cup in 2007. He captains the Russian national side and stood out with his exceptional displays at Euro 2008, scoring twice and earning a place in the Team of the Tournament.

Andrey’s versatility is another big plus for Arsenal. He started his Gunners career on the flank but can also play through the centre, as he does for his country.

At 28 the diminutive forward is at his peak. That is a mouth-watering prospect for anyone who follows Arsenal.

 

MY YEAR

January

Andrey started all five of the Gunners' Premier League games in January and was introduced as a substitute in the FA Cup defeat at Stoke City. He scored the final goal of the 4-2 home win over Bolton, a strike which took the Gunners temporarily top of the Premier League. Reflecting on the Russian's first year at Arsenal, manager Arsène Wenger described Arshavin as a big-game player. "In every big game he is influential and creates the chances," said the Frenchman. "When you look at him, he turns up when it is really needed - not at 4-0, but at 0-0. He is always coming up with something special. He is a player whom you always rely on in a big game."

December

Andrey played in all six of Arsenal's Premier League fixtures in December, scoring twice and winning a penalty against Hull City. The Russian struck a superb goal from the edge of the area against Liverpool, completing the Gunners' comeback to win 2-1. After the match Arsène Wenger revealed that Arshavin had scored the goal with an injured foot. “I have not met many with his pain threshold," said the manager.

November

Andrey featured in all five of Arsenal's November fixtures and was instrumental in the 4-1 win at home to AZ Alkmaar in the Champions League, providing assists for three of the Gunners' goals. He scored the fourth goal in the 4-1 win at Wolves but was left disappointed as Russia lost their World Cup qualifying play-off on away goals after a 2-2 aggregate score against Slovenia.

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