Details

“Cesc has gone through a lot, difficult moments, but has always come out stronger - this guy is a fantastic leader.” The words of Arsene Wenger 48 hours after the skipper became an embroiled in a row over an alleged verbal outburst to the fourth official during the Gunners 2-1 battle against Everton on Tuesday night to keep Arsenal very firmly in the title race. But were his actions those of a traditional, passionate, English style captain and leader? No probably not.

It’s hard to believe Rio Ferdinand, John Terry or Steven Gerrard would find themselves in the same position that Cesc did on Tuesday night, their reputations and their style would see them through any problems at first. Indeed, the verbal blasts would be handed out to teammates rather than to the assistant referees and, allegedly, to the fourth official in the tunnel. But does his passion and capacity for getting into trouble in this manner make him any less a captain? Should he reign it in and become more of a skilled negotiator on and off the pitch?

Or is it more of a case of Cesc simply not being a traditional English captain? He will not be the team’s spokesman to the officials, the man to get around the team and deliver Tony Adams style teamtalks or the one in the penalty area in the 87th minute shouting at his team mates to keep their focus and defend for their lives. But if you need some to spring open a defence, take a vital penalty or deliver the right goal at the right time then please look no further than the creative little genius from Vilassar de Mar in Southern Spain.

Perhaps the skipper’s role has been best defined by another young talent in Arsenal’s midfield this season, namely Jack Wilshire. In the January issue of the official club magazine, he is quoted as seeing Fabregas as a mentor-like figure, someone who has walked the same shoes and rose to the prestigious honour of being named Arsenal captain.

“He’s great to me, always has been. He’s been there before – I think he looks at me and thinks yeah I have done that. He’s great leader and I want to be like that when I am older,” Wilshire told Arsenal’s official magazine. There for me lies the rub, Cesc is not a leader of men - he is a standard bearer of the heights all young players need to achieve to deliver a golden future for themselves and for Arsenal Football Club.

So when Denilson talked about the lack of a leader last month, he was right, Arsenal are not ‘led’ or ‘lectured’ by Fabregas, more inspired to use their own talents to deliver a team performance week in, week out that will propel the Gunners to honours at home and abroad.

Just as Arsene Wenger brought a revolution to British football on the field through diet and preparation, could there be one stirring off the pitch with the unveiling of the first captain who does not lead his men but instead embodies a whole footballing philosophy?

Details

The Arsenal have played dazzling football in their recent run of form both on the road and at the Emirates, but yesterday's 0-0 draw with City does a couple of things. It proves Arsenal have very good quality and can play with any club in the Premier League. It also begs the question as to if Arsene Wenger ought to move outside his typical refusal to spend mid-season and add a player during the January transfer window.

Many things come into play in this discussion. Primarily, Arsenal are just now becoming fully fit for the season and while they still miss their young center-back Thomas Vermaelen for the near future, Robin Van Persie has finally come alive and looks to be getting his left foot going again. Cesc Fabregas has combined well with start-up Samir Nasri and Arsenal are playing as strong attacking football as they have all season long. Matched with the imminent return of young gunner Aaron Ramsey from his loan spell with Nottingham Forest and Nicklas Bendtner finally recovering from his groin injury, Arsenal are full of depth at the top level and in their youth squads and it may be difficult for any new arrival to the Emirates to find the pitch on a regular basis.

With the December signing of 18-year-old Japanese star Ryo Miyaichi, Arsenal have proved they are not hesitant to pull the trigger on the right player for Wengerball, but his impact may not be felt until well into next year as he adjusts to the pace of the English game. There have also been links to French football star and Belgian International Eden Hazard, though Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid are all involved in the speculation. Arsene Wenger has also looked to move young Mexican player Carlos Vela on a loan spell to allow him some regular match time, and there is a possibility he will use that as leverage to bring back Gary Cahill on a full transfer. Bolton is requesting 20 million Euros for the defender and it looks doubtful if Wenger will pull the trigger on it.

At this time last season, Arsenal supporters were begging for the Gunners to dive into the transfer market for a goal-keeper. One year later, the picture that has been painted is quite different. Lukasz Fabianski has not been flawless this season, however his time with the first team has displayed his ability to control the game from the back. His distribution is strong and the young Pole has certainly earned his place as the clubs #1 man in net. Wojciech Szczesny's has also played strongly in the back, kept some clean-sheets, and his recent contract extension with the Arsenal could instill a spirit of competition in goal, which would do nothing but help Arsenal's chances to win the Premier League. Manuel Alumunia is seeking a return to Spanish football Arsenal supporters world-wide would do nothing but support the keeper in that effort.

The question about transfers for the Arsenal are never "when" like it is with many clubs throughout the world, it's an "if."  Wenger has a strict policy of building from within and only using the transfer window when absolutely necessary. But with the clubs return to match fitness, Arsenal have a very full squad of talented footballers who will make it difficult for any new import to find match time. Apart from the players mentioned already, Abou Diaby hopes to be near a return soon. Andrey Arshavin, the last big Arsenal purchase has continued to struggle in English football, though he still has shown a knack for being in the right place at the right time, compiling some big goals and assists for the North London side, while also looking disinterested at times.

Will Arsenal make a move this month and bring in some new blood? Supporters will have to wait and see. But as Arsenal sit four and two points behind United and City respectively in the league, and still being involved in the FA/Carling Cups and the Champions League, Gooners most certainly hope Arsene Wenger will make a move, as there is a real chance to bring some hardware back to the Emirates this season.

Who would you like to see make a move to North London?

  • You are here:  
  • Home
  • Blog