Arshavin: Savior

For better or for worse, Andrei Arshavin will be deemed or labeled as a savior at the Emirates this winter and spring. It will be him to inspire push the team to its full capabilities, back into the top four and into the vaunted Champions League spot. As of now, Arsenal stands five points behind Aston Villa for the fourth and final Champions League spot. They are ten points out in the league, and it appears with the way that Manchester United are playing, that winning the league is nothing but a pipe dream.

However, there is the FA Cup. There is getting into the Champions League. This season overall might be a disappointment, but it can be saved from being a disaster. With the loss of skipper Cesc Fabregas, it was vital to get a player to help rejuvenate the lacking squad. That man is Andrei Arshavin.

The Russian star missed the first two games of Euro 2008 to suspension, but came back with a vengeance. Following a 4-1 drubbing at the hands of eventual champion Spain, Russia was in need of inspiration. That came from Arshavin as he lead them to a semifinal rematch against Spain. Along the way, they beat the 2004 champion, Greece and the Group C winner, Holland. Much of this is credited to the way Arshavin played, and the way the team played as a result. 

He will be asked the same at the Emirates, and I don't doubt he can do it.  With Eduardo returning soon and Theo Walcott a month away, the immediate future looks to be bright at the Emirates. It's a shame that it's so dim right now.