Four-goal Arshavin unable to sleep

His every shot may have rustled the net on an incredible night at Anfield, but Arsenal FC forward Andrei Arshavin was unable to score even a wink of sleep after his four-goal burst at Liverpool FC, according to his mother Tatyana.

'Bright future'
The Russian international put his side in front on three occasions during Tuesday's pulsating 4-4 draw, including a last-minute breakaway effort that looked to have won the game until Yossi Benayoun's stoppage-time equaliser for the Premier League leaders. Despite that late blow, however, Arshavin could pride himself on being the first player to register four goals in a league match at Anfield in more than 60 years. "I spoke with him this morning, when it was only seven [o'clock] in London," Tatyana told uefa.com. "He couldn't get to sleep after such a tense battle where the pressure was very high. I really like the fact the Arsenal team kept on attacking after his goals. I believe they will have bright future with Arshavin."

Emotional night
A January signing from UEFA Cup holders FC Zenit St. Petersburg, the 27-year-old had already brought fresh energy to Arsène Wenger's side before Tuesday's outing, including goalscoring performances against Wigan Athletic FC and Blackburn Rovers FC. Indeed, his impact has been felt far beyond north London. "I watch all Andrei's matches," his mother added. "It was after midnight in Russia when Andrei was scoring, but I did not try to hide my emotions. However, the neighbours understand and I think they've got used to my emotions."

'Nothing unexpected'
For Zenit coach Dick Advocaat, meanwhile, his former pupil's contribution was typical of the talent he displayed consistently before his transfer. "For me, there was nothing unexpected as I knew Andrei was an exceptional player," said the Dutchman, who also followed the game on television. "I told everybody that – including people in England – even before he started playing there."

New-found motivation
Before Tuesday's match, which took the Gunners eight points clear of fifth-placed Aston Villa FC in the race for England's fourth UEFA Champions League berth, only one other Russian had plundered a hat-trick in English football. That was winger Andrei Kanchelskis – first for Manchester United FC in a derby against Manchester City FC in November 1994, then for Everton FC at Sheffield Wednesday FC in April 1996. "I expected this kind of level," continued Advocaat. "Arshavin has a [strong] mentality, but you cannot do special things on the pitch without the right motivation and he has found this in England. He showed yesterday what he can bring to the team."