Right, well plenty to get through this morning ahead of tonight’s game against Kiev and obviously the main story is the fact that Cesc Fabregas is the new Arsenal captain.
Arsene Wenger made the announcement at his pre-match press conference yesterday, confirming that it was a permanent thing but at the same time refusing to give any details about previous captain Gallas, beyond the fact that he would play tonight. Despite some intense badgering from various journalists he refused to be drawn on the reasons behind his decision, saying only:
I have given you information but I do not have to explain to you why I make these decisions. This subject is now closed. You have to respect a little bit of the team’s privacy.
Gotta love that last line, aimed as it was at both the journalists and probably Gallas too. It’s a big decision to have made and the boss is being pragmatic in including Gallas in the team tonight. He needs him as a player. I think if Toure and Sagna had been fit he’d be much more inclined to have let Gallas sit on the bench, or even at home, but needs must at the moment and I still think, despite some comforting words from the manager, his long term future at the club is very much in doubt.
But away from Gallas and on to the new captain of Arsenal Football Club. To me he was the only choice and I’m glad Wenger has made it. It’s a great lift for the fans in difficult times and I’m sure it’ll be a lift to the players too. Cesc said:
It is a great honour for me to captain one of the biggest clubs in the world. It is a proud moment. I know it’s a big responsibility but together with my team-mates, I know we have the spirit and commitment to get back to winning ways and fulfil our potential.
He has received the backing of Gael Clichy (who also has words for Gallas) and I think most fans will be right behind the choice of Cesc as captain. But while we all hope this will provide the kind of spark that will get our season going, and even perhaps get his own season going, let’s be under no illusions that he faces a difficult time – at least for the first few weeks of his captaincy. This is a step in the right direction, not an instant cure for what ails us.
The team is struggling for form and beset with injuries (Nasri and Diaby are both added to the sick list for tonight’s game) and until the manager can get the chequebook out and add to the quality of the squad in January then things are going to be tough. We need to show proper Arsenal spirit, we need every single player on the team to give 100% for 90+ minutes, egos need to be left at the door on the way in, we need to start playing as a team and less like a group of individuals who are having a kick around for the first time.
This is part of Cesc’s job now. To unite the players for the Arsenal cause. And it is a lot to ask anybody, let alone a 21 year old, but I’m confident he can do it. He’s never been afraid to speak his mind, to stick up for himself or his teammates, to get involved and he is a winner. He has that drive that we’ve been missing a bit this season. We’ve given him the ultimate responsibility as a player at Arsenal, we’ve asked a lot of him, but at the same time the club has to do likewise. Cesc is a once in a lifetime talent, the kind of player any manager would like to build his team around, now Arsene has to ensure that we bring in the kind of players who will not just help Cesc flourish as captain and player, but the rest of the team too.
I think he can be an excellent captain and we know what a brilliant player he is but it’s too much to ask him to be brilliant without help. He needs a quality experienced partner alongside him, someone who will help get the best out of him, and we all know where else we need players. As much as Cesc now has a responsibility to Arsenal, Arsenal has a responsibility to him.
His appointment will be also be popular with the players and that’s important. It’s clear that more than a couple have personal problems with Gallas and while it’s certainly right to point some fingers at them if there’s a lack of professionalism on their part you have to address the root of the problem and Wenger has done that. I still think this is a decision that should have been made during the summer but it’s definitely a case of better late than never.
So captain Cesc will lead his team out for the first time tonight knowing that a win will see us through to the knock-out stages of the Champions League. We know Kiev generally don’t travel well but Arsenal are down to the bare bones, some suggesting that Fran Merida could start on the left hand side of midfield tonight. With Eduardo and Rosicky obviously still out we won’t have Adebayor, Toure, Eboue, Walcott or Sagna as well as the aforementioned Nasri and Diaby for tonight’s game.
With Gallas in the team I think he’ll play in the middle with Sylvester with Djourou at right back. In the midfield we could see Merida on the left and Ramsey on the right hand side with Denilson and Cesc in the middle. I wouldn’t be surprised if Vela got a start tonight either with Bendtner and his ridiculous pink boots missing out.
A win tonight would help restore some confidence ahead of what is going to be a massive game this weekend against Chelsea. It’d get Cesc’s reign as Arsenal captain off to a good start and help mend the growing rift between the fans and the team. Nobody likes to be negative, nobody likes to see the team in the doldrums, and hopefully with Cesc leading the boys out tonight it’ll help improve the atmosphere all round.
The OleOle graphics guys have done up a Captain Cesc wallpaper for you to download in various sizes, so smarten up your desktop this morning.
More reaction from Paul Davis, Gunnerblog, RedAction
So, here’s to Captain Fabtastic, may he develop a terrible withered elbow from lifting too many trophies. Come on Arsenal.
