Russia’s win over Azerbaijan did not provide its fans with a glut of goals, nor any great joy. However, it was three more important points for the Russians, and the victory has also had a positive effect on the FTBL ratings of the team’s leading players.

Most successful in this regard was Andrey Arshavin (pictured centre), whose rating increased by almost 12 points, even though he failed to score. Andrey now has 140.88 points and is close to being the Gunners’ best player in terms of ratings. Arshavin still trails the injured Emmanuel Adebayor, who has 142.52 points to his credit.

In his next match Arshavin will have to reach a target of 17 points, set by Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion on 3 March. Russia are playing Liechtenstein, so Andrey has every chance of becoming the leading Arsenal player.

Arshavin received assistance from his team-mates Roman Pavlyuchenko and Konstantin Zyryanov, whose goals brought them close to the 100-point mark: Pavlyuchenko has 98.93, and Zyryanov 94.33.