A good goalscorer and that is it. Even then I think he's not a particularly effective goalscorer against quality defences that don't leave him space to stand in.
Substandard in almost every other aspect of his game.
In a similar vein; the outstanding literallyjamie:
LiterallyJamie Not Jamie Redknapp
Transfer news; Liverpool announce signing of Darren Bent. In a related story, John Terry announces purchase of Bob Marley CD.
So if Ben Arfa does well, it's because he's "proving a point to the manager" and is applauded.
If Ben Arfa doesn't do very well, it's because "the manager has messed him about" and he's to blame?
Probably, yeah.