• Premier League

Losing Nasri and Cesc was a catastrophe - Arshavin

ESPN staff
September 5, 2011
Andrey Arshavin was disappointed to see Samir Nasri leave © PA Photos
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Arsenal forward Andrey Arshavin has admitted that losing both Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri is a 'catastrophe' for Arsenal, but believes Yossi Benayoun and Mikel Arteta are capable of taking the team in a different direction.

The Russian concedes that Arsene Wenger's squad has lost its two key creative players, but admits it was a pleasure to get a chance to play with Fabregas during their time together at Emirates Stadium.

"At the moment, losing Fabregas and Nasri is a catastrophe," the forward told Russian newspaper Sport. "Watching the Udinese match I said to [Nicklas] Bendtner that now we have no-one so comfortable with passing the ball to Robin van Persie or who ideally utilises the qualities of the other forwards.

"He smiled and replied, 'Yes, the only player who could properly replace Cesc is probably Xavi'. I'm very glad that I was able to play in the same team as Fabregas - he is a truly class footballer."

Arshavin acknowledges that neither player's place can be adequately filled by a new signing, but believes the two new midfielders acquired by Arsene Wenger on transfer deadline day can nevertheless help Arsenal recover and play in a slightly different style.

"When people say no-one is irreplaceable I don't agree," he said. "With Arteta or whoever replaces those who have left, we will play different football, not as we played with Cesc and Samir.

"Arteta and Benayoun have long proved themselves in the Premier League, they're not bad signings. And we needed strengthening in those positions.

"Perhaps another holding midfielder wouldn't hurt and, as far as I know, we were trying until the last minute to get [Rennes midfielder Yann] M'Vila, but unfortunately we weren't able to buy him.

"Judging by the quantity and quality of our signings, Arsenal's football will soon undergo some changes."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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