Arsenal ace Arshavin: Gaffer, I’m frustrated. Why didn’t we buy?

Andrey Arshavin says Arsenal have no chance of winning the league with him as striker.

Arsenal briefly went top of the Barclays Premier League last month after beating Bolton, but have since fallen six points off the pace following a draw at Aston Villa and last Sunday's 3-1 humbling by Manchester United.

"Third place is where we stand today, and that is already a great success for Arsenal when you take into account the class of our eleven players," said Arshavin. "Of course, we try to win every match, but class is class."

The 28-year-old struggled to make an impact against United after starting as the spearhead at the Emirates. Arshavin's favoured role for Russia is as a second striker, though he has found success for Arsenal playing down the left wing.

"If Arsenal want to become champions, how can they select Arshavin as centre forward?" he said. "I am 173cm (5ft 7in) and it suits me, but next to the big centre halves of United it is very difficult to fight for the ball, especially in the air."

Asked if he was criticising Arsene Wenger's selection, he revealed his comments were instead prompted because the Arsenal boss had been unsuccessful in the transfer window.

"It's from frustration," explained Arshavin of his makeshift role. "Van Persie is injured and unlikely to play again this season. Eduardo is injured too, but he may be ready to face Chelsea. We are in a difficult situation when it comes to recruiting players."