Cesc: ‘Training,ahead of our game against my old club I used to play for when I was 16.’I was surprised to see Cesc start for Arsenal against his boyhood club. He and the rest clearly struggled against the dominant Barça side in the first half, and when Ibrahimovic scored two ‘cheap’ goals in the early stages of the second half, it looked like it would be over for Arsenal. In fact, it didn’t look good when we already had to make two substitutions enforced by injuries in the first half. But we fought back and we were also lucky in a sense that Barça didn’t score more (and astonishingly none at all in the first half). Facts: we were only possessing 31% of the game and utterly outplayed for the first 70 minutes, we had a semi-injured skipper playing for us (could he have broken his leg and if so miss the rest of the season too? And the World Cup? Oh dear God. But he’s said that he would have done the gamble anyway and he did insist on playing) who would do anything and everything to face Barça, we were playing the reigning European champions, and we were subject to dubious refereeing. But we battled on even when it looked almost over.
I don’t know why Cesc played in the first place, whether it was not altogether a selfish decision especially considering the magnitude of the risk, because I don’t think we can afford to lose him now. As much as I love him and as much as I know how badly he wanted the reunion with his old pals and to play, I’m not sure if it was a wise decision to play him last night. Of course we can play some matches without him – we have done so on a few occasions - but I’d feel better if we have him fit and playing for us for the rest of the season than to show up for one match and leave it injured. In fact, only two days ago i.e. on 30 March, he shared the following: ‘See you guys tomorrow. Unfortunately I won’t be playing, you probably see me on the bench. I’m positive I’ll be fit for the next match. CESC’, before signing off ‘BYE EVERYONE, SEE YOU TOMORROW, BUENOS NOCHES BESOS, CESC xxx (goodnight, kisses)’. But of course, I also know how much he hates being on the sidelines.
But there you go. That’s our fabulous skipper. He works tirelessly, wants to play no matter whether he is injured or not, oozes class, composure and a strong team ethic at all times. Selfish or selfless, he does it all for Arsenal ;’) despite being yellow-carded and hence ineligible for the match at Nou Camp, he soldiered on. And despite being injured, he insisted on seeing the night to its conclusion. I believe he played with his heart on his sleeve for all to see. As Cesc advised on 30 March: Keep believing and work hard. Don't bother just to better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself. The future is not some place we are going to but one we are creating. The paths are not to be found, but made, and the activity of making them changes both the maker and the destination. Faith, confidence and belief are three of the most powerful words in a human's life. If you convert the real meaning of these words into practice, I feel that everything we touch could turn into gold and be a tremendous success in any task we undertake. CESC x
So there, Barça! My Fàbregas is just class! He practised what he preaches and believes in. And speaking to the Daily Star over the weekend, he reiterated that he had no intention of leaving Arsenal.
Does anyone need more proof that what he does and did are all for Arsenal? Fine. From BBC Audio: How was it to score against your old club Barcelona?
Cesc: It was no different. I score for Arsenal.
Positives: We have shown again and again this season and also last night that we can fight back, have strong mentality, and don’t give up. Also Barça don’t always give a good performance for the whole 90 minutes. Puyol and Pique are out for the return match.
Negatives: Gallas, Cesc and possibly Shava are out. We’ll be playing at Nou Camp.
But it’s not impossible to beat them as three managers share here. Can we salvage our Champions League dream? Join the debate here.
To misquote Obama: CESC WE CAN!!!
I wanted to buy this t-shirt but only XL size was left when I checked ;(
|