STILL HOPE

Even though Andrei Arshavin did not play any part in Russia’s friendly matches against Serbia and South Korea, the head coach Fabio Capello said that Arshavin still has a chance to play for the 2014 World Cup as the door remains open for any player of the national team.

‘’Im open to all players’’ Capello was quoted as saying by the Russian television network Dozhd. ‘’ Hes an excellent player, but he needs to play’’ the Italian tactician said.

The last time Arshavin played with Russia was back in 2012 when they went against Ivory Coast in a friendly encounter but ever since then he has not made any other appearance for his national team.

The 32 years old player of Zenit talked about the surprising start and title charge that Arsenal are making in the Premier League.

Arsenal claimed a fairly comfortable 2-0 triumph against Liverpool as they are becoming true contenders on taking away the crown from the current champions Manchester United.

Arshavin said: “I was surprised that Arsenal won so comfortably, Liverpool are in excellent form right now. But Arsenal are also playing much better than they have over the last two or three years”, he added.

The Zenit forward also praised the impact of Mesut Ozil, who joined the club in a £42.5 million transfer concluded on the final day of the summer window in September.

“The signing of Ozil has brought stability to the side and this season Arsenal has a chance to finish in first place.”

Arshavin scored 31 goals in 144 appearances in all competitions for the Premier League side Arsenal until making a return to the club that he played in when he was a youth, Zenit Saint Peterburg.