Arsenal
Fabregas Is Destined To Be A Barcelona Legend, All He Needs Is Patience
It seemed a match made in football heaven when Cesc Fabregas joined Barcelona back in 2011. It also ended one of the longest running transfer stories in recent memory with the Spaniard re-joining his first ever club for a fee believed to be around 29 million euros with five million in add-ons. But the real question is, has it been the right transfer?
Fabregas moved to London as a 16 year-old in 2003 and went on to make a total of 303 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 57 goals.
In relation to Arsenal, statistics show that in five years prior to his departure from the Gunners, Fabregas created 466 goal-scoring chances, made 75 assists and scored 30 goals. These stats are also made even more impressive by the fact that they topped those from fellow midfielders Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta, even despite them having made more appearances in the same period.
The influential Spanish midfielder joined Barcelona on the 15th August 2011 but it has not all been plain sailing for him since the transfer. However, the decision to join his boyhood club was always an easy one for Fabregas and why wouldn’t it be? Moving from a club who were trophy less in his whole time there to a team that had won three La Liga titles in a row and two Champions League trophies in just three seasons. The Spaniard maintained that there as a black mark on his Arsenal career “In terms of titles, I am bitter about that. Missing out on winning the Premier League about three times – I would have liked to have taken that, but it could not happen.”
It was obvious from day one that he could find the move potentially difficult due to a number of factors; none more so than the rivals in his favoured position of central midfield. The ever present Xavi, Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta, as well as new signing Alex Song and youth star Jonathon Dos Santos have made it extremely difficult for Fabregas to slot into the favoured 4-3-3 formation adopted by the Catalan giants. On the other hand, the strength in depth in the centre of midfield has seen the man nicknamed ‘Cesc’ play in a more attacking role than he was used to in his time at the Emirates Stadium. This forward position has seen him score a credible 21 goals in 65 appearances, many of which have been off the bench.
His debut for Barcelona came in the second leg of the infamous Spanish Super-cup, coming on as a substitute against bitter rivals Real Madrid. His first goal for the club came in a 2-0 win against FC Porto in the UEFA Super Cup in which the winner of the Champions League plays the winner of the Europa league. The month of September 2011 was his most successful thus far since joining, after he scored four goals; including a late and important equaliser against Valencia at the Mestalla. On the whole, Fabregas’ first season at Barcelona was largely successful, with the club winning the Copa del Rey, the Spanish Super-cup, the UEFA Super Cup and the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup, as well as personally notching 15 goals and 20 assists in 48 appearances. He also set a new record for a new player when he scored in his fourth consecutive match for Barcelona at the Camp Nou.
The second season at the club has been somewhat more difficult. The departure of manager Pep Guardiola was a big shock for all involved with the Catalan club, but the club tried to keep the surroundings similar by appointing his successor as former assistant Tito Villanova. Perhaps surprisingly, Barcelona have continued to push on since their former boss’ departure and have already virtually sewn up the La Liga title with a massive lead over Real Madrid and city rivals Atletico. They also successfully overcame a two goal deficit against AC Milan in the Champions League and have once again reached the quarter finals of the prestigious trophy with many tipping them to go all the way to the final which takes place at Wembley this season.
Fabregas ended a goal drought in a style when he scored a brace against Sevilla, leading them to an important 3-2 victory. A further 3 goals came in the month of October and then another one coming in a 4-0 victory at La Liga’s surprise package Levante UD. His last goal for the club came in a 3-1 win at Manuel Pellegrini’s Malaga.
Despite being at the club for over a year now, Fabregas does still not consider himself a first team starter just yet. The quote from Cesc which read “I have never seen a team that is so focused on the attack-defend transition – playing against Barcelona is very complicated but playing at the club is also not so easy and that is the challenge” shows that he still feels he has a lot to learn in order to become one of the first names on the team sheet. One thing which could fill the midfielder with confidence is the fact that teammate Xavi Hernandez is in the latter years of his career and this could soon mean more first team chances for Cesc Fabregas. With more starting eleven opportunities perhaps coming his way it may be a bold statement but the Spanish midfielder could become a club legend and what better place to do it than at the biggest football club in the world right now.
Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in what could prove decisive for the Gunners’ Premier League title ambitions. Arsenal sit top of the table with 61 points from 28 matches, five points clear of Manchester City, who still have a game in hand, while Chelsea occupy 7th with 45 points after being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Burnley at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
This represents a huge opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s side to put further distance between themselves and the chasing pack before facing Brighton away on Wednesday. Chelsea arrive at the Emirates in patchy form under Liam Rosenior, who has won just two of his eight league matches since replacing Enzo Maresca in January despite an encouraging start to his tenure.
Kick-off: 4:30 GMT, Sunday, March 1, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium
TV: Sky Sports
Kai Havertz Returns to Haunt Former Club
Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that Kai Havertz will train on Saturday ahead of the Chelsea clash, giving the German a chance to feature against his former employers. Havertz has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since early February, but scored the winner in Arsenal’s 1-0 Carabao Cup semi final victory over Chelsea earlier this month.
The 26 year old has endured a nightmare campaign with injuries limiting him to just 158 Premier League minutes this season, though he has still managed two goals and two assists when available. Viktor Gyokeres has flourished in Havertz’s absence, scoring twice in the 4-1 North London Derby demolition of Tottenham last weekend.
Rosenior Yet to Face Top Six Opposition
Liam Rosenior faces his first test against a top six side in the league since taking charge of Chelsea, having only faced teams sitting 7th or lower during his opening eight matches. His winning run needs proper context, given the quality of opposition, with recent dropped points against Leeds and Burnley at Stamford Bridge exposing serious vulnerabilities.
Arteta has beaten Rosenior twice already this season in the two legged Carabao Cup semi final, and the Spanish manager will fancy his chances of completing a treble over the Chelsea boss. Bukayo Saka should be fit despite limping off late against Spurs, while Ben White remains doubtful with a niggle.
Predicted Lineups: Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Disasi, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson
Also read: Kai Havertz Injury Update: Real Timeline and Medical Details Revealed!
Arsenal Dragon
Update Given Following Arsenal Injury Scare as Olivia Smith Discharged From Hospital After Being Stretchered Off During FA Cup Win Over Bristol City
Arsenal star Olivia Smith has been discharged from hospital after being stretchered off the field during their Women’s FA Cup game against Bristol City. The forward, who joined the Gunners in the summer, played just under an hour before being forced off with pictures showing a neck brace around the 21 year old at Meadow Park.
This was a worrying moment for Arsenal supporters watching on Sunday afternoon. The Canadian international went down, receiving lengthy treatment before being taken off on a stretcher as a precaution. Thankfully, the injury appears to be far less serious than initially feared.
Left Hospital Yesterday Evening
According to Arsenal reporter Tim Stillman, Olivia Smith left the hospital yesterday evening after tests were run and will return to be assessed this week ahead of the March international break. This is brilliant news for Arsenal, who cannot afford to lose Smith for any length of time, given her importance to the team.
It is believed that her involvement with Canada is still up in the air, with the Canucks facing a triple header of friendlies against Colombia, Argentina, and the United States over the coming two weeks. Arsenal’s next match sees them face London City Lionesses in mid March.
Big Boost for Champions League Hopes
With no video available for Arsenal’s cup game against Bristol City, there was huge concern surrounding Smith’s condition for those unable to attend the game at Meadow Park. Thankfully, what seemed initially to be a severe injury has turned out to be a fairly minor incident.
While Stina Blackstenius and Alessia Russo are both more than capable options to lead the line, it has been Smith who has been Renee Slegers’ favoured choice and proven to be a brilliant signing since her arrival from Liverpool. Having Smith likely available for both legs of the Chelsea Champions League quarter final is a massive boost for Arsenal’s hopes of retaining their European crown.
Arsenal
Arsenal Star Named WSL Player of the Month for January as Midfielder Continues Outstanding Form Following 400th Appearance Milestone
Kim Little has been named January’s Barclays Women’s Super League Player of the Month, recognition that follows her 400th appearance for Arsenal. The captain has made an outstanding start to 2026, completing every minute in the WSL and helping secure two clean sheets and four points from fixtures against Manchester United and Chelsea.
Little drove the midfield against United in the 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium and was again pivotal in the disciplined defensive display at Stamford Bridge that delivered that historic 2-0 win over the Blues. This is absolutely deserved recognition for one of Arsenal’s most influential players, who continues to perform at the highest level despite being 35 years old.
400th Appearance Came in Belgium
Little’s landmark 400th appearance came in Belgium as Arsenal won 4-0 at OH Leuven to close in on a Champions League London derby with Chelsea. The Scottish playmaker came on as a second half substitute in the 82nd minute, replacing Olivia Smith, to reach 400 appearances.
This achievement is even more notable given the time she spent playing in the USA and Australia during her career. Little has become one of the defining figures of the modern Arsenal era, establishing herself as an absolute legend at the club.
Chelsea Awaits in Champions League Quarterfinals
Provided nothing dramatic unfolds at Meadow Park next week, Chelsea awaits in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Arsenal hold a commanding 4-0 advantage from the first leg and are overwhelming favorites to progress to a mouth watering London derby in the last eight.
Little will be central to Arsenal’s hopes of defending their Champions League crown, with the midfielder’s experience and leadership qualities proving invaluable during the knockout stages of major competitions. Her consistent performances continue to set the standard for everyone around her.
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