Class of 92 vs Class of 2011 - Part 2/7

Gary Neville lines up with the Class of 92 at his testimonial in May 2011

On February 2nd 2011, Gary Neville announced his retirement from professional football with immediate effect following his omission from the Champions League squad for the knockout stages of the tournament. His retirement itself wasn't a massive shock to the club or the fans, but the timing certainly was. Mid-way through a season, as we were entering the run in for a record 19th championship. 

After he retired we saw John O'Shea, Rafael and Fabio all fill in at right-back over the course of the run in, but none of those players managed to make the role their own. This season however has seen the emergence of last years back up centre half Chris Smalling flourish in that position in pre-season and in the opening 4 games of the season. 

Despite it being VERY early days for Smalling in this position, I look at the attributes that made Gary Neville the greatest English right-back of all time, and the attributes that Chris Smalling possesses now that could lead him to making that right-back spot his own at Manchester United for years to come.

Right-Back vs Right-Back

Gary Neville vs Chris Smalling

Gary Neville is regarded as the greatest right-back in Premier League history as well as being England's most capped right back. Without doubt one of the best full backs of all time when in his prime. Chris Smalling is brand new to the position but has made it his own and has been superb so far this season. 

POSITIONING

GN: Gary's positioning was always superb as a youngster and he carried that on throughout his entire career. His ability to mark a wide man out of the game without sticking to him like glue was very good although against the elite players that style of defending always posed much more of a risk as seen against Figo and Roberto Carlos in 2003 when Figo scored his infamous cross/shot at the Bernabeu.

GRADE: 9/10

CS: Smalling's positioning is good, but as a natural centre-back, he often comes slightly too narrow. Only 21 years old of course so there is plenty of time for him to start learning and adapting. He's yet to get caught out properly at fully back, but he's only faced 3 games in the position. 

GRADE: 7/10

PACE

GN: Red Nev was never gifted with explosive pace and that's one of the only things that ever stopped him being named as the best right back in the world ahead of Cafu and Lillian Thuram. His lack of pace often saw him defeated by the super quick wingers, but his ability and desire often helped him out in situations where he was struggling.

GRADE: 6/10

CS: Smalling's pace is electrifying and has really shone at full back. His ability to push forward and get back quickly is excellent, meaning he is able to take part in attacks and get back to help defensively. Where his pace didn't show so much at centre back, it's now on show for all to see and it is without doubt one of his greatest attributes.

GRADE: 8/10

STAMINA

GN: Neville's stamina was always a great asset of his, but of course as he got older his stamina evaded him. He always had that edge on the opponent in the final minutes of games where he could overlap his good friend David Beckham and put in a cross which so often won Manchester United matches late on.

GRADE: 9/10

CS: England U21 international Smalling's stamina is good, but could definitely be improved. He's always running, but you do see him lose that extra burst he has as the game goes on. I'm sure it will improve as he plays more in that position, but for now it's an area that could certainly be improved.

GRADE: 8/10

CROSSING

GN: Gary's crossing was absolutely world class and probably better only by David Beckham and Ryan Giggs in the entire Manchester United squad. He had the vision to spot a run from a player and the skill to pick that pass out which led to so many goals for Manchester United and England during his 20 year playing career at the top level. His crossing was by far one of his greatest attributes as a defender.

GRADE: 10/10

CS: Chris Smalling's final ball can without doubt be improved but he does often put in some fine crosses. He regularly gets into those positions where a quality cross could lead to a goal, but he does sometimes struggle to hit his target. He needs to improve his crossing game if he is to go on to become a world class right back.

GRADE: 6/10

TACKLING

GN: Neville's tackling was one of the reasons he was an automatic choice for England and Manchester United at right-back for so long. His timing of tackle was superb and his anticipation and ability to read the game was excellent. As he got older his timing of tackle seemed to elude him (vs Stoke last year as an example) but generally his tackling was excellent and he often used his tackling as a way of making up for a lack of pace.

GRADE: 9/10

CS: Chris' tackling was suspect at Fulham and raised questions of why Ferguson would pay £10M for his services in January 2010. However, after impressing greatly in his first season at Old Trafford, his tackling improved greatly but he was still prone to the odd bad challenge - including the penalty he conceded at Stamdford Bridge. However he's getting much better and with age/experience, his ability should grow too.

GRADE: 7/10

TOTALS

GARY NEVILLE - 43/50
CHRIS SMALLING - 36/50

So at the age of 21, Chris Smalling is a centre back turned right-back with incredible potential. Gary Neville was a natural full back and one of the greatest of his time in that position so it's no surprise that Chris Smalling isn't at his level yet. However, at the age of 21 and now seemingly first choice right-back at a club like Manchester United he will surely only get better. His phenomenal power, speed and natural footballing ability leaves him great encouragement to believe he can become United and England's first choice right-back for many years to come.

Class of 92 vs Class of 2011 - Part 1/7

Class of 11 at top (L to R) - P.Jones, C.Smalling, T.Cleverley, D.Welbeck, A.Young, Anderson and David De Gea
Class of 92 on bottom (L to R) - R.Giggs, N.Butt, D.Beckham, G.Neville, P.Neville, P.Scholes and Peter Schmeichel

After Monday nights superb 3-0 victory of Tottenham at Old Trafford, many fans and pundits have classed this new look Manchester United side as the next generation. After Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and Edwin Van Der Sar all retired last season, Sir Alex Ferguson has built a new side once again going into this new season and at the moment it looks very good.

However, the last generation was the legendary class of 92, which included the likes of David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, the Neville brothers, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes. We all know how successful that class was, leading Manchester United to numerous league titles and of course the legendary 1999 Champions League win. But do this new generation of youngsters at Manchester United have what it takes to live up to their predecessors tag. 

In this 7 part series, I will compare the Class of 92 and Class of 2011, to see if they can potentially reach the heights of the legends that came before them.

Goalkeeper vs Goalkeeper

Peter Schmeichel vs David De Gea

 

Peter Schmeichel is regarded as Manchester United's greatest goalkeeper of all time along with Alex Stepney and recently retired Edwin Van Der Sar.  20 year old Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea has been drafted in by Sir Alex Ferguson to replace the big Dutchman and with masses of potential I look at how they compare at this early stage.

REFLEXES

PS: Peter Schmeichel's reflexes were one of the main reasons he was classed as the best goalkeeper in the world for a very long time during his tenure at Old Trafford. He made a string of superb reflex stops during his  8 years at the club, including a superb save to deny David Unsworth a superb bicycle kick goal in 1997. 

GRADE: 9/10

DDG: David De Gea's reflexes are top notch for a goalkeeper at the ripe old age of 20. He is capable of pulling off some magnificent saves in a short space of time, but seems to struggle more when he has time to think about his save. That may just be early nerves though. See his magnificent Man of the Match performance vs Barcelona last season as an example of his reflex ability.

GRADE: 9/10

COMMAND OF AREA

PS: Schmeichel's mere presence in the side meant that he commanded his area very well. At 6ft 4 and over 16st he instantly stood out in a crowded area and made his feelings known. He wasn't shy to shout at the defenders in front of him and everyone knew what he wanted. He knew how to use the entirety of his area and that is one of the reasons that in 42% of his Premier League games for Manchester United he kept a clean sheet.

GRADE: 10/10

DDG: De Gea doesn't seem to have the same presence as Schmeichel did, even when he was at Atletico Madrid. Despite being the same height as Schmeichel, he doesn't have the same build and doesn't have the voice of The Great Dane. He lacks that command that could make the difference in winning crucial points this season, but that could come with experience and as he settles in more to the squad.

GRADE: 7/10

HANDLING

PS: The Great Dane's ability to hold onto a ball after making a save was superb. Many people remember the save he made against Liverpool when he caught a 30 yard shot and held onto it, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd and Liverpool goalkeeper Bruce Grobelaar in the process. He was superb at holding on to the ball, another reason why he was voted as the Greatest Goalkeeper of All Time in a survey run by Reuters.

GRADE: 9/10

DDG: De Gea has the ability to catch the ball due to his massive hands and does show it when he has to. However he seems to prefer punching the ball away or parrying it away. I don't doubt his ability to catch the ball, but he seems to prefer parrying and that may be because he doesn't trust his own ability to hold onto the ball. It's certainly an area of his goalkeeping he could improve.

GRADE: 6/10

ONE ON ONES

PS: Schmeichel's ability to save one on ones was almost incomparable to any other goalkeeper in the past or this day. His tremendous reflexes and excellent anticipation made him one of the most difficult goalkeepers in history to score against. His presence often made strikers panic, and it's no coincidence that legendary goalscorer Ian Wright never once scored past The Great Dane.

GRADE: 8/10

DDG: Probably his greatest attribute as a goalkeeper is his ability to deny the attacker when in a one on one situation. His marvellous reflexes allow him to get down quickly and deny the attacker, along with his reach and anticipation mean it's a hard task to beat him. Ask Barcelona and Real Madrid last season when he pulled out Man of the Match performances.

GRADE: 9/10

AERIAL ABILITY

PS: Schmeichel's loudness and sheer size made him a force aerially when dealing with crosses from the opposition. He made sure everyone heard his call and made sure he was in the right place to be able to catch the ball and distribute the ball quickly. He was calm under pressure too so rarely made a mistake when trying to claim a cross.

GRADE: 9/10

DDG: De Gea has a calmness about him when claiming crosses as if it comes as a second nature to him. He's not as physically robust as the Great Dane was, but he knows what he's doing and isn't afraid to make the call when necessary to come and claim a cross. He'll have to get used to the challenges he'll get in the Premier League, but once he does get used to that it will be one of his best features along with his superb distribution.

GRADE: 9/10

TOTALS

PETER SCHMEICHEL - 45/50 

DAVID DE GEA - 40/50

So at the age of 20, David De Gea is not as good as Peter Schmeichel. Duhhhh! However, he's definitely on his way and with more experience and game time, plus learning with Eric Steele and co he will surely go on to be one of the best goalkeepers in world football. Definitely capable of being in Manchester United's starting line up for the next 15+ years. For me, £18.7M very well spent.

Cesc Fabregas - Barcelona Schoolboy to Arsenal Legend

Cesc Fabregas joined Arsenal as a 16 year old from FC Barcelona for a measly £600,000 in September 2003. At that moment, they knew he had the potential to become one of the best midfielders in the world, but nobody knew all the drama he would cause just 5 years later.

After breaking into the Arsenal team in 2004 after injury to Patrick Vieira, he began to make a name for himself as a playmaker and top prospect in world football. That season he won his first (and what turned out to be his last) trophy as an Arsenal player, when he started the FA Cup Final against Manchester United. 

When Patrick Vieira left for Juventus the following summer, Fabregas was given the Frenchman's squad number 4 and became a fixture in the Arsenal midfield. He made 49 appearances in all competitions that season, including starting in the defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League final.

On 24th November 2008, Cesc Fabregas was appointed captain of Arsenal Football Club. He succeeded William Gallas after a row about Gallas' leadership qualities. He wasn't able to lead the team to any trophies, but many said he was a great role model and a quality leader on and off the pitch.

SAGA BEGINS

On October 2nd 2009, Xavi started the saga which ended up lasting nearly 3 years. In an interview with El Mundo Deportivo, he said the now famous phrase "He is a football player with Barca DNA". A number of Barcelona players also made it clear they wanted Fabregas at the Nou Camp after that interview, including Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique, Lionel Messi and Dani Alves. Alves was actually quoted as saying;

 "Cesc wants to join Barca. That's what he has always said. I am convinced Cesc will join us". 

On 25th May 2010, Director General Joan Oliver claimed they had taken the first steps to bringing Cesc Fabregas to the Nou Camp and had made Arsenal aware that they were interested. On June 1st 2010, Barcelona made a formal offer to Arsenal of €35M. It was swiftly rejected by Arsenal saying;

"We have told them that we have no intention of selling our captain. To be clear, we will not make any counter-proposal and will not enter any discussions. Barcelona have publicly stated that they will respect our position and we expect them to keep their word".

After Spain won the World Cup thanks to a Fabregas assist and Iniesta goal, they held a celebratory party in Spain. La Masia graduates Pepe Reina, Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique decided to play a practical joke on Fabregas by forcing a Barcelona shirt over his head.

After several more interviews from Andres Iniesta, Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique as well as some higher authority from Barcelona, on 6th August 2010 Cesc Fabregas made a public statement committing himself to Arsenal for the forthcoming season.

"I can assure all the fans that now the negotiations have ended I will be 100% focused on playing for Arsenal. I am an Arsenal player and as soon as I step out on to the pitch that is the only club I will be thinking about".

After yet more interviews from Xavi and David Villa, Sandro Rossell is quoted in an interview as saying

"Cesc's value is less than €40M".

After more interviews, a deal is finally agreed between the clubs in private. However Barcelona players Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol could not hide their excitement and leaked the deal on their respective Twitter pages. The deal included a non-disclosure clause and as it was broken, the deal was delayed until the following Monday.

Puyol: Welcome home! Happy to have you here @cesc4official

Pique: @cesc4official is already here!

During Barcelona's Super Cup game vs Real Madrid on Sunday evening, Arsenal confirmed that a deal had been reached with Barcelona for the sale of captain Cesc Fabregas. The deal is worth €39M, with €29M up front, €10M add-ons, split into two €5M payments. One of those €5M payments depends on Barcelona winning two La Liga titles and one Champions League trophy throughout the duration of Cesc Fabregas' initial contract with the Catalan club.

On 15th August 2011, Cesc Fabregas completed his medical and signed a 5 year contract at his hometown club. The contract had a €200M release clause installed, for a player who Barcelona constantly claimed was worth no more than €40M. Cesc Fabregas, was now home.

I caught up with 3 quarters of the Arsenal Report team, Joss Bennett, Ix Techau (Mantralux) and Matt Bonito as well as 15 Year old Gooner Sam to find out what they thought of the situation.

Q- Cesc Fabregas just signed for Arsenal for a reported £34M. When you heard it was official, how did you feel?

JB: It's difficult to describe how I felt, really. There's so much speculation flying about on twitter and such-like nowadays that I resisted the 'truth' for a long time (being that Cesc was eventually going to leave, and that Barcelona would ultimately have their way). Having said that, I think the majority of Arsenal fans had already got used to the idea of not having Fabregas and just wanted the whole thing to be over. Finally, it now is, and we don't have to listen to Xavi's comments every summer. At least not until Bellerin and Toral become good in 8 years time.

MX: The total fee is actually a £34m (€29m initial fee + €5m over the next 5 years + another potential €5m if Fabregas wins one Champions League trophy and two La Liga titles = €39m = £34m). I heard the sum fairly early on, and I was so prepared for it that I didn't really feel anything, I wasn't surprised.

MB: Given the crushing inevitability of it all, the acceptance came along pretty quickly. We all knew it was going to happen, so it was hardly a shock, but there was certainly a good deal of sadness that he’d finally gone. The most unfortunate thing about the timing of the transfer is that we never got to see the complete player with a full pre-season under his belt. The last time Fabregas had a summer off was 2007, when he was still just 20, having appeared in an international tournament every summer since, so it’s possible that Barcelona have bought an even better player than the one we’ve sold them.

15YOG: I was disappointed but such was the nature of the saga, we'd known it was coming for weeks so I'd already reacted to it, and hearing it was official just reaffirmed those feelings. Regret would be the main one - regret that we hadn't managed to keep him, regret that his time at the club hadn't been better. Wish he'd won some trophies with us so we could look back on his Arsenal career and see more than just great goals, assists and performances.

Q - What are your thoughts on the fee?

JB: What can I say? We've been completely ripped off. £34m is less than Liverpool bought Andy Carroll from Newcastle for. It doesn't matter that Liverpool clearly overpaid to get their man or that it was a last-minute deal - Fabregas is worth more than that anyway. Despite his injury record, and not having the best of seasons last year, I'd still say that in an open market, he's worth at least what Chelsea paid for Torres (£50m) and arguably closer to what Real Madrid paid for Kaka (around £60m).

MX: I think the fee is exactly what Barcelona wanted it to be, and I think it's insulting that our board accepted such a low offer for one of the top three central midfielders in the world. I think the board and the boss should be ashamed of themselves for letting such a player go for less than £50m. Our whole tactic was built around him, he was our captain, he's only 24, and he made more assists than Alves, Messi or Xavi in the last three years. Would Real Madrid have sold Zidane to his original club Cannes for £25m? Would Barcelona sell Messi to Newell's Old Boys for £20m? No, but somehow Arsenal are expected to just sell him for the fee Barcelona think is fair, just because the player wants to move. It's embarrassing.

MB: Having spent the summer hearing how Arsenal wouldn’t sell for less than £40 million, being told that we finally relented for £29 million was a huge disappointment. Selling a player of Cesc’s calibre for just a few million more than we sold a grossly overrated Anelka 12 years ago seemed utterly ridiculous. The fee smacked of Barcelona bullying tactics. However, as more details have emerged, it seems we actually got a reasonably good deal out of the transfer. A 50% sell is massive, and being given first refusal on any future transfer makes sense. That said, if he did ever come back to Arsenal, it would most likely be for one final hurrah towards the end of his career. The other bonus to come out of the deal was the agreement from Barca that they would end their pursuit of compensation for our two newest acquisitions from their academy, Jon Toral Harper and Hector Bellerin. Of course, it remains to be seen whether this agreement will prevent them from hounding us for the pair later on in their careers.

15YOG: Ridiculously low but we were practically bullied into selling for a low price. I just hope it's enough to bring in adequate replacements, and then some. He's a £50 million player in my eyes; in the current market at least, and I'm astounded that he's gone for the same as Andy Carroll. Granted, the situations were different, but still...

Q - After everything that has gone on in the last 3 years, what are your opinions on FC Barcelona as a club now?

JB: I used to respect Barcelona as a club. Their attractive football, world-class players and incredible battles with their arch-rivals Real Madrid. But over the past few years, they've been simply disgraceful. "More than a club" has become an ironic term that is used against them to prove their arrogance.  Even on the pitch, they've become a disgrace. They haven't had a red card for something like 2 years, and when you watch them play you realise why. Their play-acting and attitude in general means I now despise them as a club.

MX: I think the whole 'more than a club'-schtick has run its course, and there's really not much more to say. Sporting achievements aside, the club should have been penalised a long time ago for public tapping up and other questionable dealings off the pitch. And on the pitch as well to be fair, it's painful to watch all the diving antics.

MB: A lot has been written about Barcelona’s behaviour over the course of the Cesc saga, and my personal opinion of them is one that can’t be repeated in polite company. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Guardliola has remained largely silent on the subject, instead the ‘come and join us’ pleas have been left primarily to the players, thus absolving the club of any obvious tapping-up misdemeanours. In short, they’re a bunch of ungrateful gits.

15YOG: I'll be honest, I hate them with a passion. It's not just the way they've acted in forcing us to sell him, it's the playacting, the surrounding of the referee, and the "more than a club" nonsense. Their holier-than-thou attitude just grates so much with me, and it's even worse than the media fall for it more often than not. They're spoilt brats who are so used to getting what they want, they throw their toys out of the pram when they don't.

Q - What's your favourite Cesc Fabregas Arsenal moment?

JB: It has to be the solo run and finish against Tottenham in the 2009/10 season. I wasn't at the game, but I remember hearing someone read out the BBC Live Text from their phone and thinking they must have made a mistake when it was 1-0, and then suddenly 2-0. Then you watch it on Match of the Day and you're speechless. Everything about it was perfect - determination, dribbling, the finish, the celebration. I will never forget that goal.

MX: Definitely the goal against Spurs when he gets a hold of the ball just after a Spurs kick-off, dribbles through their entire team and places it in the left corner. I think most supporters would agree on that one.

MB: His penalty against Barcelona two seasons ago with a broken leg, and his brilliant solo goal against Spurs the same season spring to mind, but my abiding memory of Cesc in an Arsenal shirt was his firecracker against Milan in the Champions League in 2008. The goal itself was brilliant, but it was the celebration that ensued that has stuck with me the most. I can’t think of any goal in recent times that has been celebrated so passionately and vociferously by an Arsenal player, tears falling from his face as he embraced his manager and mentor. If anybody ever doubts Fabregas’ love for Arsenal, they need only watch a replay of that goal.

15YOG: Wow, tough one! I was perched on the East Stand when he scored that goal against Juventus, which was special. I also loved his long range goal against AC Milan, his penalty against Barcelona and his all-round performance against Blackburn. But if I was pushed, I'd probably say the Juve goal. That was the moment when he became my favourite player.

Q - Realistically, who would you like to see replace Fabregas?

JB: In terms of a long-term, direct replacement - it has to be Aaron Ramsey. He was so clearly meant to fill Cesc's boots from minute one. But whether he and Tomas Rosicky together can make up for his goals and assists already - even just his passing - is yet to be seen.  Realistically then, I'd like to see someone like Mario Gotze come in to help ease the blow. Germany seem to have a lot of good young play-makers - Toni Kroos is another one, Mesut Ozil another, etc. Obviously Ozil wouldn't be realistic, but I'd like for Wenger to investigate the German market a little more than he has done in the past. I'm a strong believer that Cesc's replacement this summer doesn't have to be as good, or better than him. Just someone who can rotate with or act as back-up to Aaron Ramsey who has a fantastic future.

MX:  I think Aaron Ramsey would be able to play in the 'Cesc role', but unfortunately Wenger has re-arranged the midfield setup this year to get more stability in the centre of the pitch. In my opinion we should keep going with last year's tactic, as we won plenty of important fixtures with it - Barcelona, Man Utd, Chelsea, Man City, etc. Sure, we lost quite a few important ones as well, but the wins indicate that the tactic wasn't the issue - player form was.

MB: I don’t think there is one player who can replace Fabregas. Juan Mata has been heavily linked, and as good as he looks, I don’t think he would fit into the Cesc role. Sneijder is out of question, given his wage demands, and there isn’t really anyone of Cesc’s calibre that doesn’t already play for Barcelona. I think the two players that are most capable of filling the gap left by our former captain are already at the club. Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey are undoubtedly the players around whom future teams will be built and I couldn’t be more proud that they play for the Arsenal. Their passing range, vision and composure on the ball (a lot of which they have surely learnt from Cesc himself) are practically unrivalled for their age group. It has been remarked that Ramsey is better than Cesc was at the same age, and with Wilshere’s undoubted talents (not to mention his much-needed-for-the-team bite in the tackle), we have a midfield partnership that can dominate for years to come.

15YOG: Mata would be nice! Someone who can control the tempo of the game maybe, a direct player who can find the gaps. Mata could be that player but we'll have to see.

Q - Robin Van Persie has been appointed as captain since Fabregas left, is that a good decision in your eyes?

JB: I'm delighted. Robin loves the club, and is a wonderful player. He's the perfect mix between Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp (although not quite as good!) and has been a loyal servant for the club since he joined in 2004. Vermaelen will be his vice-captain, so he can make up for the apparent lack of a "true leader" as the media seem keen to point out exists at Arsenal.

MX: Well, it's the most logical one, as he was vice-captain. However, I would like to see Wilshere taking that step soon, but it would mean demoting Van Persie, which would cause a problem.

MB: It’s a very good decision. Three of our last four captains have been given the armband in an attempt to prevent them leaving the club, so it’s good to see someone awarded the captaincy on the basis of their qualities as a man, as well as a player. Fabregas was a good captain, and it made sense at the time to award him the role, but he was never what we needed. Arsenal have always been associated with their bulldog spirit, and leading by example will never hold much sway at our club. Robin, alongside Vermaelen as vice captain, will give us something far closer to that than anyone else in recent years. Plus we all know they’re just keeping the armband warm for Jack. Since the departures of Fabregas and Clichy, Robin is now our longest serving player; he’s a Gooner and he has the club in his heart.

15YOG: Yeah, I'm one of the few who subscribes to the notion that the captaincy has more of an effect on the individual than the team. Essentially you'd want everyone to be a captain - for example, Thomas Vermaelen will be vice-captain, but I think that other than the official duties of a skipper he'll be basically another captain in our side. He'll still lead the team from the back as he would as captain. He's probably the captain of the defence, seeing as RVP can't do everything. It should help van Persie mentally though.

 

Q - Would you say Fabregas is one of the greatest players Arsenal have ever had?

JB: Absolutely without a doubt. He's behind players like Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Liam Brady and perhaps a couple of others, but there's not many better than him in the history of Arsenal. 

Alas I never had the opportunity to see Thierry Henry or Dennis Bergkamp play live in an Arsenal shirt so Fabregas has to be the best Arsenal player I've ever seen live. Overall, I'd say he's more than deserving of a Top 10 spot.

MX: I'd rather say he was the best player Arsenal COULD have had - we haven't seen his potential yet. Thierry Henry will forever be our best player, he was from another world. But Fabregas is definitely in the top 10.

MB: As I said before, I don’t think we’ve seen the best of Fabregas. For some years now, he’s been considered one of the best midfielders on the planet, and he’s still only 24. He’s suffered from the fact that he’s been the focal point of a largely unsettled team and left the club with only one major trophy to his name. He is, however, certainly one of the most talented players we’ve ever had at the club.

15YOG: Yes, without a doubt.

Q - Finally, a quick message to Cesc Fabregas?

JB: I can't really bring myself to wish him luck at Barcelona, but I hope it's everything he wanted. It sounds cheesy, and it is - maybe I should just say 'Thanks for everything. We'll miss you, and I hope you'll miss us'.

Even more apt would be what my old head-master used to say to us:

"Have a good summer - but not too good!"

MX: Not really. I wish him well, but I think this whole saga has not only damaged the Arsenal supporter's attitude to Barcelona, but also caused unwanted negativity surrounding the club. Fabregas is happy at his favourite club, but the fact is that if Barcelona hadn't dominated the fotballing world in the last couple of years, Fabregas wouldn't have requested a move. If his hometown was Villarreal, he would still be an Arsenal player.

MB: If I could say one thing to Cesc it would be to thank him for all he’s done for the club. I don’t begrudge him for wanting to go back home and I thank him for his commitment to the Arsenal cause.

15YOG: Thanks for all the amazing memories, if possible please succeed individually at Barcelona while the rest of the team is a shipwreck. Hope to see you back soon.

So we've reached the end of an era at Arsenal. 

303 appearances, 57 goals and 100 assists in 8 years. 

Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal legend.

Premier League Preview 11/12 - Top 6 + Bottom 3

With the Premier League season set to burst into action in a few hours, I look at the teams I think will be in the Top 6 this season and who I think will face relegation come May 2012.

WINNER:

MANCHESTER UNITED

FROM A FAN - 

Season Expectations?

From a fans perspective, I believe we have to be finishing top two this season as a bare minimum. We are overwhelming favourites with most bookies and in my opinion have the second best squad in the league.We should also be looking to go far in the Champions League again, while a decent cup run wouldn't go amiss.

Season Goals?

I think the clubs goals will be similar to the fans goals. I think they'll be looking to win the league again, and have a good cup run along with getting far into the Champions League. They'd like to win the cup competitions, but I don't see it as a massive loss if we don't win them, while we'll want to win the Champions League after losing last years final - we won't be expecting to win such an elite competition.

Key Player for the Season?

Has to be Wayne Rooney. He had a superb pre-season scoring four goals and his passing/movement looked very sharp throughout. He did well in the Community Shield last weekend, but I expect a massive season from him this year in his new role as the withdrawn forward spraying passes and finishing chances.

RUNNER UP:

MANCHESTER CITY

Personally, I think City will finish second this season. They've strengthened well with Aguero, Clichy and a fully adapted Edin Dzeko. The likely loss of striker Carlos Tevez however could have an effect on the club, especially as he's been relied upon for two years for goals. If Aguero doesn't adapt quick enough and Dzeko/Balotelli don't live up to their price tags it will be difficult for them to keep up with the experienced title goers of Chelsea and Manchester United.

FROM A FAN -  Joe Hulbert, 16

Season Expectations?

"My main expectation is that we maintain a realistic title challenge. Mancini had a good record in cup competition in Italy, so we expect the same and hopefully another good cup run will come this season to offer more silverware. The expectations on Roberto Mancini and Manchester City are high from the board and

fans alike, we have lived in our neighbours shadow for too long and I along with the board believe we need to be challenging for honors. I sadly feel that if Roberto doesn’t mount a fair title challenge he might be dismissed and that is something I do not want."

Season Goals?

"I think throughout the season we should be looking to keep on Manchester United and Chelsea’s tail. The main goal overall is to be up there come the end of the season. Another goal in my eyes is to do well in one of the cups, possibly win one."

Key Player?

"For me as a City fan there are 3 key players in the side. Vincent Kompany, Nigel De Jong and David Silva. Kompany is a superb leader and in my eyes is the 2nd best center back in the league only to Nemanja Vidic. His sound defensive side to his game and his ability to organize a defence that looked shaky in the Community Shield will be key.
Nigel De Jong is the anchor of the midfield. Last year Manchester City’s record without the Dutch hardman was worse than our record without talismanic striker Carlos Tevez. I recall in the game against Liverpool without De Jong we were destroyed 3-0 as they found space in between the midfield and the defence, De Jong needs to be at his best this season.

David Silva is the final key player, he is a superb playmaker and without him we lack any real danger up top passing wise. Yaya Toure provides the odd long pass but mainly it is Silva who provides the danger."

3RD PLACE:

CHELSEA

Personally, I see Chelsea falling to third in the league this year. Despite a new manager, they haven't made any real additions to their first team during the summer and the loss of Michael Essien for 6 months before the season even began is a huge blow. A solid pre-season though, where they didn't concede a single goal, tells me that they will still be as tough to beat as ever.

FROM A FAN - Kieran Fox, 19

Season Expectations?

"My personal expectations is for us to win the Premiership. With maybe a signing or two more we can do that as United have strengthened their squad tremendously. Also I would expect us to win either the Carling Cup or FA Cup and do well in Europe, but I don't think we will win it."

Season Goals?

"Abramovich being Abramovich he will want us to win everything. Realisticly I think Boas will be looking to secure our 4th Premier League title and so will the fans. As for the Champions League, we will have a very good chance as we do every year. I'm sure the players and coaches will want to win it this year more than ever as we have a very ageing squad and for players such as Terry, Lampard and Drogba, it may be there last chance."

Key Player?

I believe this season Torres will be key, January transfers are never the best buys, a lot of them have shown in the past. I think everyone has been unfair on him saying he's a flop etc, but this season he would have settled fully, be working on his game a lot more, and be very confident in himself. He isn't the only key player though, we also has the likes of Terry and Lampard which are the spine on the team.

4TH PLACE:

ARSENAL

Despite having lost captain Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona and the likely looking sale of Samir Nasri to Manchester City, I still feel Arsenal will finish fourth in the league. They have been actively targeting centre backs throughout the summer, showing they know they have a weakness there. Although they haven't signed one yet, they will eventually and it will help. Gervinho is a superb addition to the side too and with the emergence of Frimpong and Aaron Ramsey to the first team, I think they'll have enough about them.

FROM A FAN - Frankie Hobbs, 18 (@FrankieHobbs)

Season Expectations?

"My expectations aren't that high. The squad seems depleted after selling Fabregas and seemingly imminent sale of Nasri. Despite our failings in the transfer market to sign a centre back we so desperately needed and losing those two players, I still think we'll maintain a top four status. I also think we should be winning a trophy this season whether it's the FA Cup or the Champions League it's about time the fans got a reward from the seasons effort."

Season Goals?

"I think the club and fans just want to see a trophy in the cabinet at the Emirates. The goal for the season should be without question to maintain a top four status and win any form of silverware during the season. Of course this will be harder with the added competition in the league this season."

Key Player?

"Robin Van Persie. He's been at Arsenal for so many years and it feels like we've never had a full season out of him. When fit, he's one of the best strikers in Europe and fits Arsenal's play perfectly. If, and this is a big if, Robin can stay fit and can fire, Arsenal could have a good year."

5TH PLACE:

LIVERPOOL

Despite being rejuvinated by the return of 'King' Kenny Dalglish and an array of new signings during the summer, I still think that Liverpool will fall just short of the top 4 this season. After such a horrid start to the season last year, they will want to kick off in big fashion and I feel they will start well but fade away towards the end. Luis Suarez had a very long year/summer, so I feel that after not really resting this summer due to the Copa America towards the business end he'll fade away and it will hurt the Kop.

FROM A FAN - Alex Whitehouse, 20 (@AlexWhitehouse9)

Season Expectations?

"Under the stewardship of Dalglish, I expect a lot better football than we've been accustomed to at Anfield over the past two years. League position wise, I expect us to to fall short of a title challenge, but if the new signings click and bed in quickly, then I can see us finishing top 4, honestly, I can't see us finishing lower than 5th with a good cup run, that'd be nice.."

Season Goals?

"The most important thing this season is that we re-establish ourselves as a Champions League club. It is imperative that we do so. My personal goals for this season, are to finish in the top four and to also have a day out at Wembley, in either the League Cup final or the FA cup final. It has been years since the club has had a good run in either cup competition. John W Henry has come out and said that he is aiming for top four, but I doubt Dalglish would be happy with that, being the winner that he is. I have no doubt whatsoever that he will go all guns blazing for the leaguue title."

Key Player?

"Surprisingly, it was a tough choice between three players; Lucas Leiva, Stewart Downing or Luis Suarez. Ultimately, it can only be one man, whilst the other two hold huge roles for us this season, our key player is surely Luis Suarez. He showed in the second half of last season what he is capable of, with 4 league goals, a hatful of assists and several outstanding displays, it's easy to see why he is becoming the new darling of Anfield. The Player of the Tournament in Copa America and at around £22.5m in todays market, he is a bargain."

6TH PLACE:

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

After missing out on Champions League football last season, I felt that Spurs would buy big during the summer and really push. However, they haven't spent at all and have almost an identical squad to last year. Due to this, I feel they'll fall away further and finish 6th this season unless they really step up in the transfer market and get some real quality into the side.

FROM A FAN - Cj Murray (@CJMurray247)

Season Expectations?

"Due to our current lack of transfer activity so far, and the huge investment in our rivals, such as Man City and Liverpool, I cannot currently see us finishing in the top 4. Our current strikers seem to lack the ability to play up front on their own and score 15+ goals a season and I see that to be the only difference between us and our rivals. As it stands, I would expect us to finish 5th/6th with Arsenal. However, should we manage to sign a striker capable of scoring 15+ goals then I see no reason why we cannot qualify for the Champions League."

Season Goals?

"Our main goal is clear, to qualify for the Champions League. It is imperative that this season we qualify otherwise it seems pretty clear that Modric and others may leave in the hope of playing Champions League football again.. A good run in the Europa League and Domestic cups giving some of our better youth prospects game time would be great as well."

Key Player?

"Gareth Bale. Although last season I would have said Luka Modric due to his ability to control games, it became apparent to me during pre-season that we scored very few, if any, goals without Bale in the team. His direct approach, speed, and ability to put the ball on a plate makes him for me, our most important player and goal threat. If we can keep him fit all season, then we may have a chance of reaching the Champions League again."

# # # # #

So there is my Top 6. I feel that is the most realistic but that 4th spot really is up for grabs. Any of the 6 teams could finish there, but really it's between Arsenal, Liverpool and Spurs with Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United fighting for the title. 

Now onto my bottom 3 - 

18TH PLACE:

WIGAN ATHLETIC

I think Wigan will go down this season. They've scraped relegation the last few seasons and this year they lost their best player in Charles N'Zogbia. They haven't replaced the French winger and it seems they'll be relying on Victor Moses to make the step up. They haven't really strengthened the squad over the summer either so I don't see them staying up unfortunately.

Key Player?

In my opinion, their key player is once again going to be Hugo Rodallega. He is their talisman and usually their top goalscorer. He scored the goal that effectively kept them up last season, and he is their all time top Premier League goalscorer. He has to be firing and fit for Wigan to stand any chance of staying up this year.

19TH PLACE:

SWANSEA CITY

Swansea City are a newly promoted side, and I feel they will be the entertainers that Blackpool were last year. They have a mentality of "if you score 2, we'll score 3" and it's excellent to watch as a neutral. However, they'll find - much like Blackpool did - that it's very difficult to keep that up in this league. They've strengthened well, but I think their lack of Premier League experience and weaker defense will prove too much of an obstacle and they'll go straight back down.

Key Player?

It's got to be Scott Sinclair for me. He scored 27 goals last season including a hat-trick in the playoff final at Wembley. His direct style and goal threat will be a massive boost to Swansea, but it's a big step up for the former Chelsea player and whether or not he can make the step up will be crucial to whether Swansea can stay up.

20TH PLACE:

NORWICH CITY

Despite their automatic promotion to the Premier League last season, I think Norwich will go straight back down bottom of the pile next year. They based their game on attacking play, but their defence isn't that great. They've strengthened slightly over the summer, including signing Ritchie De Laet from Manchester United on loan and James Vaughan from Everton. However, these players are largely unproven at Premier League level so will struggle to really help the cause in my opinion. 

Key Player?

In my opinion, their key player has to be captain and head goalscorer Grant Holt. He made the step up from League One to Championship with ease and fired them to the Premier League. The team will hope that he can make the next step up and fire them to Premier League safety. He's built for the Premier League and a great finisher, but it's whether he can be given the ammunition to fire in the goals.

Best Game I've Ever Seen Live! #4

Josh Coull is a new blogger on the scene and is an avid Tottenham fan. However, he's also a fan of great football. This is seen by his strong following of European football on his personal Twitter account @Coullj. He is also a writer for a new blog site, 'The Mazy Drivel' where they discuss all things football with their own views and thoughts. You can follow them on Twitter too, @TheMazyDrivel.

What a difficult question! There are so many variables which combine to make a great game, add in an ever fading memory of previous games and it becomes an even harder task. So I’ve had to think long and hard about what is the best game I’ve ever seen. The game I’ve decided on wasn’t just a win for the team in the league it I feel marked a shift in power in North London.

Before this night Spurs hadn’t beaten Arsenal in the league since November 1999, a whole eleven years previous. It was if I remember correctly a Tim Sherwood free-kick that won the match for us and unfortunately since that day we as Spurs fans hadn’t had a winning league goal to savour in a North London derby.

Now before I get into the game itself I just want to talk you through my though process when deciding this game. As I mentioned there are many complexities and variables in games making the “best ever” difficult to ascertain. For example just because your team wins emphatically e.g. 5-1 versus Hull a few seasons back, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best game, as I personally look more fondly upon the 4-3 loss at the San Siro against Inter Milan. So class of side plays a part as beating a bigger side surely has more gravitas than beating minnows? Yet the 2-0 win against a resurgent Liverpool at the end of last season meant very little to me whereas scraping a win against Bolton 1-0 on our way to finishing 4^th left me elated, so context of the game has a part to play. Then ultimately my memory is called into action, there are games I watched as a child which probably left me bouncing off the walls with joy, alas I cannot remember these infant days.

The game I have chosen had everything. First we have the context, Spurs desperately needed a win we were in the nail biting hunt for 4^th place and had just lost the FA Cup semi-final to Portsmouth. It was a game against our local rivals of whom we hadn’t beaten for eleven years. Finally we won but not at a canter, we earned that result and that’s what made it oh so sweet.

When going to a game I more often than not go with my Dad. We have been to around 15 games together but this was my first North London derby, it was different to normal it felt special. We had got the train up, and arrived at the stadium about an hour before KO and watched the players train. I love watching the players train; you can see their real class or lack of it, up close and personal. The most exciting part of the pre-match is when the team is announced. This team announcement had two surprises, firstly Ledley King started, we had Ledley at the back and it was comforting to know. Secondly and in hindsight quite importantly Danny Rose started. The young left winger hadn’t been in the 1^st team with any regularity and now he was starting in one of the most important matches of the season, the thought that ran through my head was...Harry what are you doing?! Oh how he showed me!

The game started at a frantic pace and the atmosphere at an intense level, the players barely had control of the game it was running away from everyone. 10 minutes in came a corner, whipped in on the ‘keeper who could only flap it to the edge of the area where stood Danny Rose. Now I don’t think will ever hit a ball sweeter, as casual as you like he volleyed it over Almunia and into the back of the net. The stadium erupted I have never ever heard noise like it, amazing, I’ve got goose bumps as I’m writing! His celebration wasn’t as successful, as he went into his own half, every team member followed him they were having a great time but forgot the game was still going on and that Arsenal had kicked off, fortunately for us nothing came of it. Now for the life of me I can’t remember anything else that happened in the first half so half time it is! The players needed it, the pace had been frantic, Danny Rose was overdosed on adrenaline and was subbed at half time but he’d made his eternal impact.

The second half started in a flash, fans were still coming back to their seats, still settling down for the next 45 minutes. Gareth Bale however was more than alert, a slick through ball from Defoe and Bale slotted home, we were 2 nil up I was in disbelief! However I also knew as all Spurs fans did it wasn’t going to end 2-0.

We were under the cosh and the whole stadium felt the tension it was almost unbearable I’d never been so nervous during a match, (I have been since the home leg against Milan was the least enjoyable match I’ve ever seen) god help anyone with a weak heart. Eventually it came, Nicklas Bendtner scored with five minutes to go...has five minutes ever felt so long, I’m not sure, maybe ask some of my previous conquests. Now anyone who knows me will know I think Heurelho Gomes is a liability, however his two saves from Robin van Persie made want to lick his face. Arsenal could easily have won the game as they had done so many times in the eleven years previous. But no, we held strong, we overcame the years of torment and anguish to finally record a win against the Gooners! The relief, the joy, the pride was clear for all to see, what an amazing night that will unlike other games never ever be forgotten.

Who Could Win the Golden Boot 11/12?

Last season saw Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tevez share the Barclays Premier League Golden Boot after they each scored 20 league goals for their respective Manchester clubs. This season the Premier League has seen an array of new attacking talent join, including the likes of Sergio Aguero and Gervinho. 

So who is going to win the Golden Boot in the new 11/12 season?

Robin Van Persie - Arsenal

League Goals 10/11 - 18

Odds - 9/1

Robin Van Persie, at 9/1 is a great shout for the Golden Boot this coming season. The Dutchman scored 18 goals last season despite missing 2 months of the season with a knee injury. He broke the record for most consecutive goals in away games last season, scoring in the clubs last 9 away games. If the Arsenal #10 can keep fit for the whole season, he's surely going to be among the favourites for the coveted Golden Boot.

Darren Bent - Aston Villa

League Goals 10/11 - 17

Odds - 12/1

Aston Villa's new #9 has been in the top end of the goal scoring charts since making his Premier League breakthrough at Charlton in 2005. Minus a barren spell at Tottenham, he's been his teams top scorer every season he's been in the Premier League (last season he played for Sunderland and Aston Villa). The Englishman has scored 41 league goals in the last 2 seasons, topped only by Carlos Tevez. At 12/1 and now at a club firing towards Europe, he's in with a decent shout.

Sergio Aguero - Manchester City

League Goals 10/11 - 20

Odds - 12/1

Sergio Aguero arrives at Etihad Stadium with a massive transfer fee and huge reputation on his shoulders after his £38M move from Atletico Madrid. The Argentine is expected to replace talisman and club captain Carlos Tevez who wants out of Manchester City - and is a proven goalscorer. He scored 20 goals last season for Atletico Madrid in La Liga, missing out on the Pachichi to Ronaldo (40) and Messi (31). With odds of 12/1, and the pedigree Aguero comes with it's surely worth a bet that he'll have a successful season and win the Golden Boot.

Peter Odemwingie - WBA

League Goals 10/11 - 15

Odds - 50/1

Now, this may sound like a long shot but Peter Odemwingie scored 15 league goals last season for a relegation scrapping West Bromwich Albion. He showed his goalscoring ability in a below par side, and now that they have strengthened over the summer it's very possible he could become even more lethal. It's a long shot that he'll outscore the big guns of the league, but with odds like those it's got to be worth a punt.

Javier Hernandez - Manchester United

League Goals 10/11 - 13

Odds - 8/1

Chicharito was without doubt the signing of last years summer transfer window. The Mexican striker bagged 20 goals in all competitions for Manchester United in his debut season, helping them to a record 19th league title. With 13 league goals last year, he'll be expected to score even more this season especially with his partnership with Wayne Rooney getting the chance to bloom fully over a whole season. At 8/1, 'Little Pea' is a great shout to win the Golden Boot this season.

Fernando Torres - Chelsea

League Goals 10/11 - 10

Odds - 9/1

Fernando Torres joined Chelsea for £50M in January and bagged just a single goal from that point until the end of the season. However he had been dogged by injuries and had to adapt to a whole new style of play from what he was used to at Liverpool. After an entire pre-season with his new club and a new manager at the helm, it's likely the World Cup winner will find the form that made him the most feared striker in the Premier League at one point and fire Chelsea to the Premier League title. 

Wayne Rooney - Manchester United

League Goals 10/11 - 11

Odds - 8/1

England hitman Wayne Rooney had a poor season last season compared to his usual standards. Just 11 goals in the league after a poor World Cup, personal issues and then wanting to leave Manchester United before being persuaded to stay. He had a long season, but towards the end he showed exactly why he is Manchester United's key player. After just missing out on the Golden Boot 2 seasons ago to Didier Drogba, he'll be looking to fire his side to a 20th league title.

Didier Drogba - Chelsea

League Goals 10/11 - 12

Odds - 14/1

Didier Drogba suffered last season with Malaria and being rotated in and out of the side to compensate the signing of Fernando Torres. Towards the end of the season, he started firing again keeping Torres out of the side, but next season he'll have a big ask to break back into the team and win the Golden Boot. At 33 years of age he's no longer a fresh face and will be hoping to wind down his career with a bang.

Luis Suarez - Liverpool

League Goals 10/11 - 11

Odds - 12/1

Luis Suarez joined Liverpool from Ajax for £22M in January and made an immediate impact at Anfield. He scored on his debut before getting 2 assists vs Manchester United in their 3-1 win over their arch rivals. He became an instant fan favourite and will look to build on that greatly in his first full season in England. He won the Copa America with Uruguay during the summer so may suffer from burnout, but if he can stay fit he could prove instrumental in Liverpool's bid to get back into the Champions League.

Honourable Mentions

Andy Carroll | 10/11 gls - 13 | Odds - 20/1

After a great half season for Newcastle, he signed for Liverpool for £35M in January. He suffered with injury afterwards but bagged two goals vs Man City. He'll be first choice at Liverpool and will get the service he requires to be successful.

Dimitar Berbatov | 10/11 gls - 20 | Odds - 25/1

Berbatov had his best season to date at Old Trafford since signing for £30.75M and won the Golden Boot last year. He was shunted out to the bench for the majority of the end of the season with Hernandez's rise to fame and will be difficult for him to regain that position again.

Gervinho | 10/11 gls - 15 | Odds - 33/1

The Ivory Coast winger signed from Lille in the summer for £10.7M and has scored twice in pre-season for Arsenal. A goalscoring winger, he could be in line for a good season and may be a dark horse to the Golden Boot.

Edin Dzeko | 10/11 gls - 12 | Odds - 25/1

The Bosnian striker endured a horrendous start to life in Manchester scoring just twice after his megabucks move from Wolfsburg. However, he's adapted well in pre-season and scored in a recent 3-0 win over Inter Milan. Another dark horse, may be worth a punt at 25/1.