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Russian sticks the boot in

Arshavin slams 'pitiful' Arsenal season

June 1, 2010
By Soccernet staff

Andrei Arshavin admits he was left frustrated by Arsenal's inability to sustain a challenge for any major silverware last season, with the midfielder labelling the Gunners' trophyless campaign "pitiful".

Andrei Arshavin
GettyImagesAndrei Arshavin was left unimpressed by Arsenal's trophy haul last season

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Arshavin, who scored 11 goals in 37 games for Arsenal last season, has risked angering manager Arsene Wenger and Gunners' fans with his outburst, which also included an offer of congratulations to Double winners Chelsea.

"There was nothing special last season for me to think back about. The season was normal - even pitiful," Arshavin said.

"But I am happy for Yuri Zhirkov, who won the Premier League with Chelsea. They deserved the trophy, as they were the strongest during the season."

Arshavin was one of Arsenal's most consistent performers last season, but like many of the Gunners' first team, saw injuries reduce his involvement as Wenger's side were knocked out of the League Cup, FA Cup and Champions League early, as well as failing to maintain a title challenge through to the end of the season.

Club captain Cesc Fabregas has been the subject of continued transfer speculation and with a move to Barcelona seemingly inevitable, Wenger may need to add to the signing of Marouane Chamakh if he is to appease Arshavin and assemble a squad capable of competing for top honours next season.