Source: Daily_Mail
Cesc Fabregas' childishness and arrogance hardly suggests he is ideal Arsenal captain - Leo's London
It would be nice to believe that when Cesc Fabregas shoots his mouth off he is doing it to inspire a reaction from his team-mates.[LNB]That if he did make 'disgusting' comments to referee Lee Mason at half-time on Tuesday night as Everton manager David Moyes alleged, there was a clever ploy at work and it was not just a petulant outburst.[LNB]It would make a half-time rant no more acceptable, of course, regardless of how poor the decision was that infuriated Fabregas.[LNB] Venting his frustration: Fabregas argues with referee Lee Mason after Everton's controversial goal[LNB]But it might show the midfielder has grown up a little since his bitter 'Barcelona style traitor' jibe at Mark Hughes in 2007 when the Welshman was Blackburn manager.[LNB]Unfortunately, the suspicion is that he has not. From waving imaginary cards around at officials to apparently telling Huddersfield players in no uncertain terms that he would not be swapping shirts, the edge to Fabregas speaks more of childish arrogance than of the example set by a leader.[LNB]Perhaps that is what Denilson was talking about before he retracted comments that the Arsenal captain did not have the 'personality' of a leader.[LNB]The counter argument from Arsene Wenger was that Fabregas is superb for his age and leads the way.[LNB] Isn't it time he grew up? Fabregas reacts after Evertons' goal[LNB]There was also some debate about what makes a good captain, whether a player can lead his team without the tub-thumping approach of players such as John Terry. But that misses the point. Above all, a skipper has to show a good level of maturity. That is why William Gallas was a disaster as Arsenal captain.[LNB]The team's leader needs to be able to think clearly when his team is in trouble and not simply blow a fuse or simmer and erupt later.[LNB]Anybody can do that and there have been plenty of examples from Fabregas in his career, several being bitter outbursts at the end of games.[LNB]It is not Fabregas' fault that he has been made Arsenal's captain of course. He is their talisman, their best player, and is undoubtedly invaluable to them.[LNB]But he is still only 23-years-old and has while he has grown up exceptionally fast as a player, his cosseted and prodigious development as a professional has not been matched by the development of his leadership skills on the pitch.[LNB] The Blues don't look like they're back yet to meChelsea are scoring goals again and their confidence and resilience is growing, but the idea that they are 'back' looks misplaced.[LNB]What we are seeing this season is a new Chelsea, a team who can score plenty of goals when they are on song but are not the grinders of old.[LNB] Back in the goals: Nicolas Anelka flicks home Chelsea's fourth goal against Sunderland but the Blues still aren't convincing[LNB]Despite a fair few clean sheets, the control of the Jose Mourinho years seems to be gone. It could be temporary and John Obi Mikel and Michael Essien could rediscover the destructive brilliance that has deserted them at times this season. Alex could come back from injury at some point and help shore up the back line.[LNB]But, for the time being, attack seems to be Carlo Ancelotti's best form of defence and the teams fans should be able to look forward to an exciting run in to the title race.[LNB]The idea of Fernando Torres being deployed with Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka certainly suggests that, and don't be fooled into thinking that the signing of David Luiz will necessarily change things.[LNB]The Brazilian can undoubtedly play and looks great in the air, but his highlights reel shows as much about his attacking talents as his defensive ability.[LNB] Change the record over big spending, ArseneIs anyone else getting tired of Arsene Wenger's lectures about financial fair play?[LNB]As journalists, we love the fact that the Arsenal manager usually answers direct questions with direct answers. But surely it is time for him to change the record about the spending of Chelsea and Manchester City.[LNB] Give it a rest, Arsene: Wenger has had plenty to say about financial fair play[LNB]UEFA are bringing in new rules about the way clubs do business and there is no doubt that the crazy outlay in the transfer window suggests those clubs in particular will struggle to comply.[LNB]But that is the point of the new regulations. If Chelsea and Manchester City fall foul of them they will have to pay the penalty and could ultimately be barred from the Champions League or UEFA.[LNB]That is their business and Wenger should let European football's governing body police their rules when they have been fully implemented.[LNB]It's when they fail to enforce them that the Arsenal boss should speak out.[LNB] Now we're ready for the title! Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas hails 'inspiring comeback' Cheap thrills as Wenger takes swipe at Chelsea after win over EvertonBlues in need of Luiz as strikers cover up defensive flawsLeo's London's marathon: Speed by name and nature, but too quick for me!All the latest Arsenal news, features and opinionAll the latest Chelsea news, features and opinion[LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People: John Terry, Michael Essien, William Gallas, David Moyes, Mark Hughes, Didier Drogba, Fernando Torres, Nicolas Anelka, Carlo Ancelotti Places: Barcelona
