Cesc Fabregas leads his Arsenal teammates into battle against Chelsea on Sunday a better captain than the last time the two London giants met.
The Gunners’ skipper has grown into the role and his own form has been unaffected – as is proved by his inclusion among the leading contenders for the PFA’s latest Fans’ Player of the Month award. Vote Here
Fabregas has never been a ranter and a raver and, by his own admission when he first took over the captaincy, wasn’t sure how he would adapt to being team leader.
The Spaniard, who has contributed an impressive six goals already this season, says he does not feel pressured by the extra responsibility that goes with being captain of one of the biggest clubs in Europe.
"There is extra responsibility but nothing changes for me," he told Football Punk magazine. "Sometimes I play badly but I always try to give everything in every game.
"I've learned a lot. I know my responsibility. I know my job as a captain now and everyone is helping me. If I have to say something now, I feel more capable than maybe a year ago."
William Gallas
Meanwhile, William Gallas, from whom Fabregas assumed the captain’s armband, is struggling with an eye injury following a clash of heads with teammate Andrey Arshavin during the Champions League victory over Standard Liege on Tuesday night.
The Frenchman is also struggling with an ankle problem, but manager Arsene Wenger insists the eye injury is giving him the biggest worry ahead of the weekend showdown with the league leaders.
"There is a big question mark about him at the moment," said Wenger. "I cannot say that William Gallas will play, unfortunately. The ankle should be alright but the eye is still very swollen.
"He wears contact lenses and at the moment he would not get them in. We hope on Sunday it will be better. He is not comfortable but I am optimistic because we still have three days."
Arshavin, who suffered a cut head in the challenge with Gallas, is expected to be fit to face the Blues, however. "Arshavin was shocked but he is okay," added Wenger.
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