Chelsea
v
Arsenal - 12:00
am
The 21-year-old Spaniard's reign got off to a winning start with
a 1-0 win over Dynamo Kiev at the Emirates Stadium, courtesy of a
late goal from substitute Nicklas Bendtner which put Arsenal
through to the last 16 of the Champions League.
While Arsene Wenger's men remain on course in Europe, their
domestic challenge has stuttered in recent weeks after the win over
Manchester United, the squad enduring a difficult spell on and off
the pitch which resulted in former captain William Gallas being
stripped of the armband following public criticism of his
team-mates.
Arsenal head to Stamford Bridge 10 points off the pace after
five defeats already this season. And another this weekend would
leave their title hopes all but over before Christmas and facing a
real fight to get back into the top four.
However, Fabregas feels there is plenty of football left in
Arsenal between now and May. He said: "The aim is to lift a trophy.
We are in the last 16 of the Champions League and are in contention
in every competition.
"We have played only 14 league games this season and it is not
over yet. Nothing is done and we will fight until the end. "Our
target is to go there and win, because we could get some points
back. "The other teams at the top have some difficult games as
well, so we will see."
Fabregas accepts it can sometimes be difficult for Arsenal to
play their way through to goal, but is not expecting a
cat-and-mouse affair at Stamford Bridge.
He added: "We have to play as a team and when we play good and
quick passing, we can play against anybody and win. "Arsenal never
go for a draw, we always go for a win and I am sure a club like
Chelsea will do the same as well because every time I have played
against them they have always gone forwards, to go for the
victory."
Wenger feels former Chelsea defender Gallas had been the victim
of a "witch hunt" from the English media. And full-back Gael Clichy
believes while his team-mate may well have had justifiable cause
for concern, he insisted everyone at Arsenal is now looking
forwards.
He told L'Equipe: "William is perhaps right in what he said, but
that sort of stuff is between him and the coach. "They have
explained themselves to each other, but it is a shame all the same.
If that broke something in the squad, it is sorted now.
"Now we can no longer look back. It is up to the players and the
staff to put all the pieces back together and go as before. We must
put the resentment to one side and forget about it."
Arsenal have nine first-team players in the treatment room, but
could have midfielder Samir Nasri (knee), Togo striker Emmanuel
Adebayor and defender Bacary Sagna (both ankle) available this
weekend
