The £15 million signing from Zenit St Petersburg ran riot on Merseyside last Tuesday, scoring all four of the Gunners' goals in a thrilling 4-4 draw that severely dented the Reds' hopes of usurping Manchester United at the top of the Premier League table.
However, the Russian - who has now netted six goals in nine league outings since arriving at the beginning of February - has revealed how imposing he found it playing in front of the vociferous Anfield support.
“It was a good performance by both teams and I said after the game that it was typical English football, with a high tempo, good skill, good chances and an amazing atmosphere at Anfield," he said in the Gunners' programme notes ahead of Sunday's league meeting with Middlesbrough.
“I must say that with the crowd there, it’s like you’re 11 men playing against one big family.
“It’s not like their supporters have just come to watch the team, it’s as if you are playing them as well!”
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