Marouane Chamakh believes that, despite his strong start to the season, it was only logical that he eventually lost his place to Robin van Persie.
The Moroccan striker has found playing time extremely limited since the return of the Dutchman, but is not surprised because of the quality of his team-mate.
Van Persie has been in great form in the second half of the season, and Chamakh believes he would have been first choice throughout the campaign if not for injuries.
“With the injuries to Van Persie and [Nicklas] Bendtner, I found myself at the forefront of things from the outset,” Chamakh explained.
“When they came back, people said I had lost my place. Well, actually it’s more that Van Persie logically got his place back.
“He’s an excellent player, a phenomenon. I still have a way to go yet and I’m here to learn. That said, if I can bring that little bit extra to the team, all the better.”
Chamakh added that he hopes Arsenal can end the season strongly, after the disappointment of losing the Carling Cup final derailed their campaign.
“Right up until the end of February, we were competing on every front,” he said.
“Then we lost the League Cup final and we started asking ourselves questions.
“Everything happened very quickly, the Champions League came: we played well in the first leg against Barcelona, and then we blew the return.
“In hindsight, the League Cup left its mark on us. It’s my first season with the club, but it’s been a long time that my team-mates want to win something.
“All that’s left for us is to finish the season as best as possible.”
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