Arshavin set to return home?

It seems the phrase "Mother Russia" never quite rang true to anyone like it does to Andrei Arshavin.

Arsenal's misfit club record signing has already had two spells in his homeland with Zenit St Petersburg but according to the Metro, could be set to return in January after failing to make much of an impact on the Arsenal first-team since his return to the club this summer.

What a shame a once supreme player for the Gunners has degenerated to such an extent? Who is to blame for the decline of a player who once scored four at Anfield and struck fear into the hearts of Premier League defences, into one that provokes jeers from his own fans when he has brought onto the field of play?

Perhaps, unsurprisingly to some, the finger can be pointed at Arsene Wenger for believing that an ageing playmaker, bought perhaps at the height of his career, one that spent it's entirety in the Russian league, could adapt to playing in a wider role in the hustle and bustle of the Premier League.

Only in England would such a technically creative, inspirational and talented football player be castigated for his inability to effectively track back and offer cover to his left-back.

Adam Mazrani