Arshavin: The difference that Bendtner brings

Andrey Arshavin has said that having the over 6 foot Nicklas Bendtner in the side brings a tactical difference to the side, with Arsenal being able to vary their play a lot more.

With the injury to striker Robin van Persie, Arshavin has been deployed in the frontman role on more than a couple of occasions this season. It has been with mixed success, with Arshavin preferring to play in the shadow striker role.

When Bendtner is on the pitch though, the team are able to deliver high balls whilst also playing the ball on the ground, and it's fair to say that the Danish international does get his fair share of headed goals.

Speaking to the official matchday programme, Arshavin explained: "Obviously it has helped us [having Bendtner back].

"He creates more space for the players behind him, and that offers us more time and possibilities to do something special. It helps me personally of course.

"And he's good in the air - he wins a lot of balls that way and through this we can gain even more possession.

"We can play differently with him in the side – when I am playing centrally we can use only low balls, but with Nick up front we have the opportunity to play higher balls and balls in behind, varying things a bit more.

"His goals have been welcome. He's in good form and has shown that he has the instinct for a chance – not that many teams make as many chances as we do!"

Simples!

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