Source: Daily_Mail
LEO'S LONDON: Super Cesc proved he is Arsenal through and through
Cesc Fabregas proved not only what a great player he is this week but, more importantly, how committed he is to Arsenal. [LNB]The Spain midfielder's virtuoso cameo against Aston Villa was a joy to behold. [LNB]There are few players who can take apart one of the Premier League's best sides on their own, never mind doing it in just 27 minutes. [LNB] High: Fabregas was outstanding against Aston Villa[LNB]Players of his calibre are the difference between the established order and the top four contenders. [LNB]So Arsenal will by buoyed by what the appearance - carrying injury and risking further problems - said about Fabregas' loyalty to his employers. [LNB]Talk of the 22-year-old leaving the Emirates has been swirling for a while and will not go away any time soon. [LNB] Low: But the Gunners skipper was forced off before the end[LNB]Fabregas is good enough to play for Barcelona, Real Madrid or any of the world' s biggest clubs. They would happily take him too and one day the lure for him is likely to become too great to resist. [LNB]Yet that day seems some way off now for a player who must run Thierry Henry close for Arsenal's player of the decade. [LNB] For all the France striker's dazzling brilliance and goals, he never shared Fabregas' team ethic. [LNB] More from Leo Spall... LEO'S LONDON: Harry's handling of Christmas bash has been spot on22/12/09 LEO'S LONDON: It's time the FA came down hard on the likes of Benoit Assou-Ekotto 16/12/09 LEO'S LONDON: Forget Beckham, Milner and Wright-Phillips... Aaron Lennon is the right choice for England09/12/09 VIEW FULL ARCHIVE With a World Cup looming next summer, Fabregas was considered only an 'emergency' measure by his manager for the Villa game but he still summoned an incredible effort when called upon. [LNB]His focus on performing for Arsenal was unquestionable. Sure, he is the same as any other young player who doesn't like sitting on the bench. [LNB]But he said himself that he 'didn't want to risk it' and the danger of creating a problem hamstring is something any player would rather avoid. [LNB]Predictably, Fabregas exacerbated the injury during his one-man show and must be rewarded for his commitment now by being given enough time to recover properly. [LNB]............................................................................................................Robbie Keane looks like he is going to get stuck in reserve (and reverse) at Spurs because his transfer value and wages are too rich for most. [LNB]Benchmark: Keane hasn't been starting[LNB]Keane has only scored one Premier League goal for Tottenham since September and has failed to match the quality of Jermain Defoe this season. [LNB]However, it is not only his striker's qualities that are in question. [LNB]For creativity behind the forward line, manager Harry Redknapp now turns to Niko Krancjar or Luka Modric. [LNB]Republic of Ireland striker Keane could do a good job for someone in the top flight but if he wants it to be as a first choice, it is not for Spurs.[LNB] [LNB]............................................................................................................Paul Hart doesn't deserve a hard time for using his tried and tested methods at QPR.[LNB] [LNB]Patience: Hart has had some criticism[LNB]Rangers fans don't seem to have been impressed by first impressions of how the team might play under their new manager. [LNB]But the Championship is a division where teams must grind out results if they want to stay in contention near the top. [LNB]Rangers have flair in abundance but in the final few games of Jim Magilton's reign they forgot how to defend. [LNB]If Hart can remind them and find the right balance the squad is good enough to win promotion. [LNB]He has only been given a contract until the end of the season anyway so there is little point getting impatient with him while he keeps the seat warm.[LNB]............................................................................................................ If Freddie Sears is the answer to West Ham's striker problems, Gianfranco Zola will count himself a very lucky manager. [LNB]The 20-year-old looks like he is on his way back to Upton Park from his loan spell at Crystal Palace to help solve the Hammers' injury problems. [LNB]But Zola may find Sears less of a player than when he left. For all the competitive game time he has gained in the Championship, his confidence must have taken a hit from being dropped back to midfield. [LNB] Great expectations: Sears (centre) is tipped for the top[LNB]The goals didn't come for Sears at Palace and being played out of position on the flank doesn't seem to have helped his game at all. [LNB]It simply does not suit his style and Zola will have some work to do to get the youngster exciting fans again.[LNB] Injured Cesc Fabregas backs Wenger's gamble to play him against Aston VillaArtur Boruc tells Spurs: Come and get me - I'd love to come to LondonNo way Jose: Carlo Ancelotti tells Mourinho to forget about a return to Chelsea Arsenal's attacking crisis continues as Bendtner suffers injury setbackWilshere's Burnley move on hold as Arsenal boss Wenger deals with injuriesChelsea players urging Ancelotti to spend as dressing-room fears grow [LNB]
