• Premier League

Wenger says lay off 'top professional' Arshavin

ESPN staff
October 29, 2012
Andrey Arshavin is looking to get his career back on track © Getty Images
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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has insisted he will not tolerate criticism of Andrey Arshavin's attitude.

Russia star Arshavin has proved a source of frustration for Arsenal fans, as he has only fleetingly shown the brilliance that made him the talk of world football prior to his move to Arsenal in 2009.

He spent the end of last season on loan at former club Zenit St Petersburg, but returned to Arsenal in the summer after failing to secure a permanent move away.

Wenger has involved the 31-year-old in his plans and Arshavin climbed off the bench to tee up Mikel Arteta's winner against QPR.

Arshavin is likely to be involved against Reading in the Capital One Cup and he will head into the game with a glowing endorsement from his manager.

"I say that because [his attitude] has been questioned," Wenger told Arsenal Player. "I don't tolerate that. If that was the case I would not speak about it.

"But Andrey comes in every day and practices well, he is focused and wants to do well. I insist on this, because it was questioned and it is completely unjustified. In this case perception is not reality.

"He is a classy player and a top professional with a great attitude. You could see that when he came on [against QPR], his brightness and his intelligence with the final ball is fantastic."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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