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. The Spain midfielder's virtuoso cameo against Aston Villa was a joy to behold. 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. High: Fabregas was outstanding against Aston VillaPlayers of his calibre are the difference between the established order and the top four contenders. So Arsenal will by buoyed by what the appearance - carrying injury and risking further problems - said about Fabregas' loyalty to his employers. Talk of the 22-year-old leaving the Emirates has been swirling for a while and will not go away any time soon. Low: But the Gunners skipper was forced off before the endFabregas 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. Yet that day seems some way off now for a player who must run Thierry Henry close for Arsenal's player of the decade. For all the France striker's dazzling brilliance and goals, he never shared Fabregas' team ethic. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Benchmark: Keane hasn't been startingKeane has only scored one Premier League goal for Tottenham since September and has failed to match the quality of Jermain Defoe this season. However, it is not only his striker's qualities that are in question. For creativity behind the forward line, manager Harry Redknapp now turns to Niko Krancjar or Luka Modric. 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. Paul Hart doesn't deserve a hard time for using his tried and tested methods at QPR. Patience: Hart has had some criticismRangers fans don't seem to have been impressed by first impressions of how the team might play under their new manager. But the Championship is a division where teams must grind out results if they want to stay in contention near the top. Rangers have flair in abundance but in the final few games of Jim Magilton's reign they forgot how to defend. If Hart can remind them and find the right balance the squad is good enough to win promotion. 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. If Freddie Sears is the answer to West Ham's striker problems, Gianfranco Zola will count himself a very lucky manager. 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. 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. Great expectations: Sears (centre) is tipped for the topThe 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. It simply does not suit his style and Zola will have some work to do to get the youngster exciting fans again. 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