Andey Arshavin has hit out at fans of Arsenal,describing the atmosphere at the emirates stadium as 'like a theatre'. The Russian said Arsenal had no home advantage due to the lack of noise, and claimed senior players
had also grumbled about it. He told The Sun: “The atmosphere was weird. It felt
like the crowd was at the theatre…good seats,
expensive tickets and they wanted to see a show,
not to support the team. “It was like there was no advantage in playing at
home. Many of the players…the leaders that were
left from the club’s time at Highbury…often
complained that the atmosphere in the stands was
so bad.” Arshavin made a sensational start to his Gunners’
career after joining in February 2009, including a
four-goal salvo against Liverpool. However, he failed to maintain his level of play and
fell from favour with Arsene Wenger before leaving
the club permanently in June. His comments are unlikely to find much favour with
Arsenal fans, who often criticised the mercurial
Arshavin for failing to apply himself consistently. In January 2012 loud boos rang out when
Arshavin came off the bench to replace Alex
Oxlade-Chamberlain during a home defeat to
Manchester United. Arshavin’s comments follow complaints by
Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas about the
lack of support at White Hart Lane against Hull on
Sunday. Villas Boas said after the 1-0 win: "We didn't have
the support we should have done. There was much
anxiety from the stands, the players had to do it
alone.” However, he was full of praise for the fans after
Wednesday’s League Cup victory, also against Hull
at White Hart Lane. He said: “They were the difference, inspiring us -
always cheering, always supporting. “It was a great atmosphere and it was great for the
team to feel that empathy with the supporters.” eurosport.yahoo.com/football/arsenal/