Andrey Arshavin Agrees With Free World’s Opinion That He Has Not Been Good Enough For Arsenal

This just in from the "no kidding?!?" files. Arsenal forward Andrey Arshavin admits that fans are right to demand more from him as his play for the club has not met his lofty standards, according to the Daily Mirror. 

"They should expect more from me, of course," the 30-year-old Russian attacker told the club's website. "They should expect some more tricks, goals and unbelievable passes.

"To be honest, I am still expecting more from me as well. But, believe me, I do everything I can do. I just must give everything I can at the moment."

Arshavin took the English Premier League by storm when he moved to Arsenal from Russian club Zenit St. Petersburg in January 2009. He was signed for a club-record £14.5 million ($22.9 million) and made an immediate impact with his direct attacking style of play. His memorable 4-goal performance at Anfield in April of that year led supporters to believe they had a genuine superstar in their midst. 

That day would prove to be the high-point of Arshavin's Arsenal career. His form gradually declined during the next season, before tailing off sharply in 2010-11. His output of one goal in his last 18 games for the Gunners has taken supporters to their breaking points. Their groans at the Emirates Stadium grow louder with each misplaced pass or errant shot. 

Arshavin will be out of contract in 2013, and it is unlikely Arsenal will re-sign its highest earner due to his age (he will be 32 at that time) and admittedly indifferent performances. 

Gervinho, Theo Walcott and teenager of the moment Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could all overtake Arshavin in manager Arsene Wenger's pecking order, relegating the Russian to a substitute's role. 

Photo courtesy of Flickr/Blog Gallery