Andrey Arshavin joined Arsenal in the winter of 2009 with high expectations after an eye catching performance at Euro 2008 and, while he showed glimpses of that magic at certain points, he failed to live up to expectations.
Arshavin joined the Gunners on deadline day of the winter transfer window in 2009 for a then record fee for Arsenal, £15 million. He went on to make 105 appearances for the North London outfit in what was a less than exhilarating time for the team. Arshavin scored 23 goals for the club, yet it was his four goals at Anfield against Liverpool that will live on in the memories of Arsenal fans. This, however, was one of only a few times that the Russian truly showed his talents, as his lazy demeanor and attitude would see him beeing shipped back to Russia after making only 11 appearances in his final season with the club.
It seemed as though Arsene Wenger's reluctance to play him in his desired role as the number 10, rather as a winger, was difficult for him. With his performance levels dropping after his first season, along with a lack of interest, he was left out of the starting XI for long periods. Arshavin later stated that he nearly suffered depression from a lack of game time;
"It was a punishment sat on the bench. To train even though you know you won't play - it is psychologically difficult.
"I nearly suffered depression, but I didn't because I'm mentally strong. The monotony of life there was crushing me."
With more willing players coming through the squad such as Oxlade-Chamberlain, Arshavin felt he coul no longer hold down a spot in the squad and, with his lackluster performances, Arsenal fans were more than happy when he did not feature.
In the end it was Arshavin's inability to adapt to the harshness of the Premier League, and his lack of interest in taking on a new postion, that saw him drop out of the Arsenal squad. He eventually returned to Russia with Zenit, where he went on to win the Russian Premier League last season.