Arsenal midfielder Andrey Arshavin was one of the best players for the Gunners against Sunderland after coming on from the bench.

Speaking to his official website immediately after the 2-1 win, the Russia International described the game as a missed opportunity to score many goals in the first part of the game and with the Gunners having failed to do so they allowed the Black Cats back into the game with goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny saving the day with a phenomenal block.

Asked about his excellent 25 minutes on the pitch, the 30-year old admitted that he is back in “high spirits” after Russia successfully qualified for the Euro 2010 Championships after the game against Slovakia.

And on his fantastic run ended with a shot just wide, Arshavin concluded by saying that he has no regrets on how he decided to go for goal with the Russian and also Robin van Persie – with a lob – unlucky not to score top-class goals against the Black Cats.

After the 2-1 win, Arshavin said:

Arsenal started off well. The first 15 minutes into the game almost everything turned out for the team.

It’s enough just to remember a quick goal. We should have scored a couple more to nip intrigue in the bud. But it didn’t happen. We calmed the pace of the game down ourselves.

Sunderland managed to use it, and having performed a brilliant free-kick, leveled the score. Soon after that they could have even led.

Fortunately for us, Wojciech beat off the ball from 1-meter distance. Once again, our goalie made a spectacular save. A very important episode in the game.

The end of the first and the entire second half we were dominating. We controlled the ball creating chances.

But we didn’t manage to hit the back of the net when playing but nevertheless we scored a beautiful free-kick just like our opponents did. I am glad that we won. It is time to crawl out

I’m really in high spirits right now. You know, after the game against Slovakia I feel like a load has been taken off my mind.

I was pressured by the responsibility for the outcome. And now after we qualified, I’m totally relaxed and calm.

[The very good run?] If I had hit with my instep? I do not know, I think, it was the right decision to hit with the toe.