They’ll probably weedle it out of him before long but Andrei Arshavin’s candour makes interviews with the Russian very readable.
He’s named Fulham as his toughest opponents since moving to England in an interview with Four Four Two.
None of the teams have been easy. ‘A lot depends on the course of the game.
Fulham were a particularly difficult opponent, not fun to play against. They were very organised, very disciplined, constantly closing you down.
It’s funny he mentioned that because I remember remarking to the guy sitting next to me at the Emirates that Arshavin was looking very tired in the second half. The boy’s a quality player but Roy got his tactics spot on that day.
Last season was Arshavin’s first season at Arsenal. He had not had ANY pre season training after falling out with Zenit. He was not fully match fit the whole of last season. That’s why he looked tired, not just in the Fulham game, but in almost every game he played.
You will see the best of him this season. He’s had his rest, and also a good preseason, AND he will be starting the Champions League as well.
I didn’t intend to sound derogatory towards Arshavin, who is a fine player, just that it surprised me how shot he looked in the second half. He’ll definitely be one to watch very closely this season.
My main point was just to highlight the praise he gave Fulham, which is rare from most of the top players, who seem to live in ‘the Big Four bubble’.
the fact that i saw a cottagers jersey at the galaxy-barcelona friendly the other night should tell you fulham’s stock is rising
Fulham played well last season, murphy is a class act and their midfield frankly outplayed us, twice. It’s the type of opponent that we need to learn from, closed us down denied space, kept the ball for good spells though didn’t have the majority of possession, never lost composure and kept their shape, so solid defensively, indeed roy has them playing well. Now they want vela, forget it.
I always thought that Fulham would be fairly well-known amongst the American soccer community having given a number of American players their shot in the Premier League.
I think the Vela rumour is just lazy paper talk. Arsenal don’t appear to have shown serious interest in Hangeland.
Our midfield was indeed outstanding twice against the Gunners. Should have won the away game too. Could have been three up in 20 mins.
I don’t think wenger is overjoyed with his back line, but i doubt haageland is on the agenda.
I’d love Hangeland at arsenal. For somebody so tall and good in the air, he’s got very good feet as well. Definately in the top five centrebacks in the league.
To get Hangeland potential buyers will have to show us the money.
fulham are my second team after arsenal. they often try to play good football and for a team which doesn’t have an expensive squad of ‘big name superstars’ it’s very refreshing to see and shows they are brave. anyone can come up with 10 men behind the ball tactics like many of the teams use, but it takes a real team to try and get a result with an entertaining and positive mentality. well done to them and i hope they will push on after a great season and do even better next year.
id say the same as ryan. fulham were possessing the ball and making us chase at the emirates. not even man utd was doing it as successfull when they came here. i think the transformation they have had since last year (fought off relegation) has been immense. i hope they do well in europa league and continue their away progress. I hope clint has another good season as well.