Shirty Arshavin breaks the rules

The diminutive Russian bagged all four of the Gunners' goals to dent Rafa Benitez's hopes of usurping Manchester United at the top of the Premier League.

And although Arshavin usually does not exchange shirts with the opposition at the end of matches, the £15 million signing from Zenit St Petersburg revealed that he needed El Nino's jersey to help a friend add to his very unique collection.

“My coach when I was a kid, Mr Gordiev, collects No 9 shirts," he said. "So I’m going to have it sent back to St Petersburg via a friend who is staying here with us.”

Arshavin has now bagged six Premier League goals in eight outings since arriving in February following his incredible four-goal haul at Anfield.

But rather than popping the champagne corks and enjoying London's nightlife, Arshavin instead intends to mark his achievement with a family day out at London Zoo.

"My wife will be quick to put me in my place,” he said.

ARSENAL FANS! Check FourFourTwo.com’s ever-expanding interviews archive for more stuff to read:
Web Exclusives Patrick Vieira, Cesc Fabregas
Q&A Theo Walcott, Cesc Fabregas
One on One Arsene Wenger, Thierry Henry, Ian Wright
Boy's A Bit Special Theo Walcott, Armand Traore
Perfect XI Ian Wright
What Happened Next? Gus Caesar, Peter Marinello
And Another Thing
Being a Big Four fan

Plus! Rate Arsenal players (and others) on Talentspotter

Gregg Davies

Gregg Davies is the Chief Sub Editor of FourFourTwo magazine, joining the team in January 2008 and spending seven years working on the website. He supports non-league behemoths Hereford and commentates on Bulls matches for Radio Hereford FC. His passions include chocolate hobnobs and attempting to shoehorn Ronnie Radford into any office conversation.