Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger defends ‘gambler’ Andrey Arshavin claiming he is efficient

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has defended the under-fire Andrey Arshavin, saying his style of play can be hit or miss although his stats prove he is still producing the goods for his team.

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Arshavin has struggled to replicate the form that made him an instant hit with the Arsenal fans following his move from Zenit St. Petersburg, but Wenger has no concerns about the Russian.

"He has always been a player who plays on the borderline, if you look at the game against QPR," said Wenger on the club's official website.

"He is a big gambler, and at the end of the day he gave the ball to Robin van Persie to score in that game. So he is always efficient.

"If you look at his numbers you are always surprised at how good he is. Sometimes the visual impression you get from a game has been frustrating, but he is very efficient. We can all have a big responsibility but we need confidence for what we do."

A perceived lack of effort has prompted some sections of Arsenal's support to call for the Russian captain to be dropped, though his manager was quick to dismiss any suggestion that he lacked the fight for his team.

"We know he has the talent," said the manager.

"He’s been questioned many times but his attitude has always been spot on.

"In the last game, specifically, he showed that he needs to play and needs confidence. He needs to play with confidence and freedom, that is his strength. He is a creative player and you need that fraction of belief and confidence to play with freedom."