Cesc Fabregas believes Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal are capable of challenging for a first Premier League title since 2003-04 this season.
It is well documented that the Gunners have failed to add to their honours list since 2005, when they beat Manchester United in a penalty shootout to win the FA Cup in Cardiff. This lack of silverware has resulted in a number of players leaving for pastures new, including Fabregas who rejoined Barcelona last summer in a £35million transfer.
The Spaniard, who has helped his country to two European Championships and a World Cup, has bolstered his trophy count at club level since returning to Catalonia, last season winning the Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. And after missing out on the title to Real Madrid, Barca have started superbly this term having won all of their opening four fixtures.
But Fabregas also feels his former club are in good shape to enjoy success this season. Arsenal, who he captained from November 2008 until his departure, may have lost more key players this year in Robin van Persie and Alex Song, but they have started the season brightly despite starting with successive goalless draws.
Wenger’s side comfortably beat Liverpool at Anfield 2-0 before the international break, and returned to action this week with a 6-1 thumping of Southampton. And their former skipper believes that the French coach could well lead the Emirates Stadium to overdue glory this season.
“Arsene Wenger is amazing and I’m sure he will prove it again this season,” he said in The Sun. “He always finds the best young talent in Europe and has the courage to bring them in and give them their chance. That is his special talent, the way he works with a player to build their confidence and encourage them to play, to perform at their best. That’s why I’m confident that Arsenal will again be up there challenging.”
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