Arshavin: Ronaldo the Difference

Arsenal's diminutive playmaker Andrey Arshavin, such a hit since his January move from Zenit St. Petersburg, has identified a weak spot in the armour of weekend opponents Manchester United.

The Russian thinks that the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo severely affects the Red Devils, and that they are a significantly less challenging prospect to face than when the Ballon d'Or winner is fit and firing.

"The Portuguese forward generally means a lot for them, take him away and United would be much weaker," he told Four-Four-Two magazine.

"We'll only manage to win if we can find their weaknesses, which is not easy. On the surface only strong features are visible."

The Gunners travel to Manchester for a Saturday lunchtime kick-off, with the game significant only because, if Alex Ferguson's men claim at least a point, then they will become champions. Arshavin clearly feels that it is the Red Devils' defensive line that gives them their fundamental strength, allied to a near-perfect attacking line-up.

"A very good goalkeeper, probably the best defence in the world, and a perfect attacking line with Rooney, Berbatov and particularly Ronaldo," he explained.