|
|
Arsenal Comment: Fabregas On His Way To Becoming A Midfield Legend
Fabulous Fabregas is the cutting difference between the teams as Arsenal win at Bolton Wanderers to keep title bid alive.
Jan 18, 2010 5:30:00 PM
Cesc Fabregas delivered another lesson in midfield magic at Bolton on Sunday to confirm his value to Arsenal -- and his status as the most effective and influential playmaker and goal-scorer in the Premier League.
The Catalan creator’s 28th minute strike to give the Gunners the lead was his 10th Premier League goal this season – a remarkable strike rate for a man who has missed several games through injury already.
It was also a perfect distillation of what his and Arsenal’s stylish game is all about and underlined why they remain among the serious title contenders despite so many injuries.
Indeed, there were spells during the Gunners’ performance at Bolton when they played with a real swagger and looked likely to demolish their opponents with a feast of goals.
Fabregas himself could have had a hat-trick, but notably wasted one first half opening when, after brilliant approach work by the utterly unselfish Andrey Arshavin, who cut the ball back behind the six-yard line, he failed to make real contact with his left foot.
His goal, however, was a true Arsenal goal made by sharp and imaginative passing in a tight area and completed by an accomplished crisp diagonal shot.
Few other players in the country could have scored a goal like it and combined such a strike with a performance of such creative influence in a major contest of real importance.
In his ability not only to make the play, but also to score important goals, Fabregas is almost unique – a throwback to another era when nearly every team had a man in a number ten shirt dedicated to artistry and creativity.
Given the luxury of not being required to defend, he can conserve his energy for attacking thrusts, dribbles, long and short passes and interchanges that leave opposition defences cut to shreds.
Arsenal’s second goal came as a result of a direct run by Fabregas from the halfway line to the penalty box and then a release to Eduardo, whose cross found Merida unmarked and gave an invitation to score that he took with relish for his first Premier League goal.
Yes, another assist for the midfielder linked so closely with a return to Catalunya and Barcelona ..
But on a day when he was the clear star, it was also confirmation of his own oft-reiterated statements of intent that have consistently said he wants to stay at Arsenal and win the league.
On this form, he may get his wish and have plenty to celebrate – as well as picking up a few individual awards for his goals and his leadership from the middle of the pitch.
Tim Collings, Goal.com
For more news on England, visit Goal.com's England section
The Catalan creator’s 28th minute strike to give the Gunners the lead was his 10th Premier League goal this season – a remarkable strike rate for a man who has missed several games through injury already.
It was also a perfect distillation of what his and Arsenal’s stylish game is all about and underlined why they remain among the serious title contenders despite so many injuries.
Indeed, there were spells during the Gunners’ performance at Bolton when they played with a real swagger and looked likely to demolish their opponents with a feast of goals.
Fabregas himself could have had a hat-trick, but notably wasted one first half opening when, after brilliant approach work by the utterly unselfish Andrey Arshavin, who cut the ball back behind the six-yard line, he failed to make real contact with his left foot.
His goal, however, was a true Arsenal goal made by sharp and imaginative passing in a tight area and completed by an accomplished crisp diagonal shot.
Few other players in the country could have scored a goal like it and combined such a strike with a performance of such creative influence in a major contest of real importance.
In his ability not only to make the play, but also to score important goals, Fabregas is almost unique – a throwback to another era when nearly every team had a man in a number ten shirt dedicated to artistry and creativity.
Given the luxury of not being required to defend, he can conserve his energy for attacking thrusts, dribbles, long and short passes and interchanges that leave opposition defences cut to shreds.
Arsenal’s second goal came as a result of a direct run by Fabregas from the halfway line to the penalty box and then a release to Eduardo, whose cross found Merida unmarked and gave an invitation to score that he took with relish for his first Premier League goal.
Yes, another assist for the midfielder linked so closely with a return to Catalunya and Barcelona ..
But on a day when he was the clear star, it was also confirmation of his own oft-reiterated statements of intent that have consistently said he wants to stay at Arsenal and win the league.
On this form, he may get his wish and have plenty to celebrate – as well as picking up a few individual awards for his goals and his leadership from the middle of the pitch.
Tim Collings, Goal.com
For more news on England, visit Goal.com's England section
Inside Goal.Com
-
EURO 2012: Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi and Van Persie named in Goal.com's dream team XI
Goal.com put together its dream team for this summer's European Championship in Poland and Ukraine
-
RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai
Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.
-
ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams
Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.
-
ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite
Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.
-
LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth
With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.