afc Arshavin "We've got no chance of winning with the players we have"

[darkman]

Andrey Arshavin admits Arsenal don't have the class to match title rivals Manchester United and Chelsea.The dimunitive Russia international says the Gunners will never be champions while they have to rely on him as a makeshift centre forward.Arsenal briefly went top of the Barclays Premier League last month after beating Bolton, but have since fallen six points off the pace following a draw at Aston Villa and last Sunday's 3-1 humbling by Manchester United.'Third place is where we stand today, and that is already a great success for Arsenal when you take into account the class of our eleven players,' said Arshavin. 'Of course, we try to win every match, but class is class.'The 28-year-old struggled to make an impact against United after starting as the spearhead at the Emirates. Arshavin's favoured role for Russia is as a second striker, though he has found success for Arsenal playing down the left wing.'If Arsenal want to become champions, how can they select Arshavin as centre forward?' he said. 'I am 173cm (5ft 7in) and it suits me, but next to the big centre halves of United it is very difficult to fight for the ball, especially in the air.'Asked if he was criticising Arsene Wenger's selection, he revealed his comments were instead prompted because the Arsenal boss had been unsuccessful in the transfer window.'It's from frustration,' explained Arshavin of his makeshift role. 'Van Persie is injured and unlikely to play again this season. Eduardo is injured too, but he may be ready to face Chelsea. We are in a difficult situation when it comes to recruiting players.'Arsenal face a tough task matching a Chelsea side who registered an impressive 3-0 win at the Emirates in November.United's win last weekend was almost as impressive, with Arshavin surprised at how easily his team-mate Gael Clichy succumbed to the guile of winger Nani.'In training it is very difficult for me to beat Clichy, but Nani made all the play through him.'Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1248735/Frustrated-Andrey-Arshavin-moans-Arsenal-win-Premier-League-title-makeshift-centre-forward-role.html#ixzz0efNlOK0R