Arsenal midfielder Andrey Arshavin revealed referees do not protect players in the English Premiership the way they should, preferring to let the game go quicker for the entertainment, which is not always the best decision to take.

The Russian, who has been playing through injury for the last month, is quoted as saying by the Mail:

The referees here do not whistle when someone just pushes you a little bit – it’s seen as nothing, you must play on.

Of course that makes the game quicker, but for me it’s not always great

With my knock at the moment I’m trying my best and after each kick I am feeling pain, but I still train every day. I’ve had a few other injuries.

Basically it is simple. If I can play, I will.

The Russian was under fire after the Manchester United game for failing to turn provider in the first half, opting for selfish decisions. The Gunners will face Chelsea this weekend in their attempt to cut the gap at the top to three points.