Cesc in another dimension, says Wenger after rout
Arsene Wenger hailed CescFabregas’ inspired performance as Arsenal ruthlessly swept Sporting Braga aside at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Gunners captain scored twice and set up goals for Andrey Arshavin and Carlos Vela as Wenger’s side began their quest for a first Champions League title in style.
“He has taken on another dimension,” said Wenger after the match. “People forget that he is 23 years old, [an age] where other people start. He is a fantastic influence and it is important that he leads this team to winning and I believe it is a fantastic opportunity for the young players who play alongside him to improve as well.
“If you are 18 years old like [Jack] Wilshere and you seeFabregas who is 23, it is a big opportunity to learn a lot.”
abregas opened the scoring from the spot after Marouane Chamakh was brought down before the Spaniard slid Arshavin in to poke home after 30 minutes. Chamakh then added a delightful third after being found by Wilshere’s flick andFabregas rose well to head in Arshavin’s floated cross soon after the break.
Vela, a second-half substitute, then added two strikes of his own to complete the rout, the Mexican striker fed by Arshavin andFabregas.
For Arsenal’s sixth goal of the evening,Fabregas, who was chasing a hat-trick, selflessly opted to play in Vela on the edge of the box rather than try and add to his own tally – an action which Wenger believes aptly summarises his side’s footballing philosophy.
“I like that he gave the ball to Vela instead of trying alone,” said Wenger. “That reflects the way we want to play the game and it reflects the real attitude of a leader. He does what the game wants and is not selfish.”
The Frenchman also praised the quality of his side’s performance despite some notable absentees including Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie. “It’s fantastic because it shows we have a style at the Club that everybody knows and no matter who comes in the football is played the same way,” he added.
“I have always said that we have a big squad where everybody can play a part and that shows when you look at who was out tonight. Some quality players were sitting behind me.”
