Could Fabregas Lead Arsenal To The Title?

The constant twists and turns in this season’s English Premier League campaign have suggested the title race could be a three-horse race.

Chelsea’s recent indifferent form and upcoming issues minus several African stars coupled by Manchester United’s injury woes in defence, have offered third-placed Arsenal a glimmer of hope.

The Gunners have been very impressive this term, but the weekend’s 3-0 win over Aston Villa highlighted the key to their hopes. Cesc Fabregas.

The Spanish midfielder returned from a minor hamstring injury as a 57th minute substitute against Villa, before scoring twice to effectively clinch the victory single-handed.

Make no mistake, high-flying Villa had been causing Arsenal plenty of problems until Fabregas’ arrival on the pitch.

Fabregas changed the game, controlling the midfield and ultimately scoring two decisive goals.

But after scoring the second he was seen limping during celebrations and had to be substituted after re-injuring his hamstring.

It’s a concern for the Gunners going ahead and scans will reveal the full extent of the injury.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said, "If it's scar tissue, he will be out for just a few days. But if it's a pulled hamstring, it's three weeks.”

Nevertheless, more than anything, the Villa game showed Fabregas’ worth to Arsenal, who are well and truly still in the title hunt.

Fabregas’ teammate Thomas Vermaelen said after the Villa game, "I have never seen a player come on before and have such an immediate impact.

"He is the best midfield player I have played with. He is really smart. In training it is really difficult to defend against him. You'd think he has eyes in the back of his head because he sees everything.

"When he came on the pitch we controlled the game more and created some more chances. He gives passes, a good line of defence and he is really dangerous. He has great vision."

Fabregas has scored 9 goals in the Premier League this campaign along with 3 in the UEFA Champions League, for a season tally of 12.

He is amongst the league’s topscorers, yet he is a midfielder.

And with hitman Robin van Persie injured, there’s no doubt Fabregas is Arsenal’s star.

But can he do it all for Arsenal? The weekend suggested he can, but surely he needs support?

Indeed, looking back historically the 2007-2008 Premier League season poses something which will worry any Arsenal fan.

The Gunners had produced an excellent opening to their campaign, almost appearing title favourites, before their inexperienced side stumbled in the second-half of the season, with the 2-2 draw at Birmingham in February the low point after an outburst from William Gallas and Eduardo’s awful leg injury.

But two years on Arsene Wenger may believe his team have matured into realistic title challengers. And it is clear with a fit Fabregas, on their day, they can prove unbeatable.

The question of consistency remains about the Gunners. Inexperience often brings inconsistent performances thus inconsistent results, but maybe Arsenal have overcome those days.

There still remains a school of thought, Wenger should invest in a quality frontman during January and that could ease a lot of the load on the brilliant Fabregas.

But with this year’s Premier League offering a slip-up or two from the big boys, the Gunners may not have a better shot at the title for a while.

It’s about making the right decisions now. And, of course, keeping Fabregas fit.

Is the title beyond them? Maybe, but you never know, especially when Fabregas is firing.