Arsene mentioned in his Manager’s Email about the need for the players to retain humility in their quest for silverware. Almost suspiciously in tandem with that Cesc offered the view that the captaincy has not changed him. I would suggest that it has but from the club point of view, in a positive manner. Fabregas is not going to be a Tony Adams shouter, they appear to be different personalities. He is of the Bobby Moore school of captaincy, leading by example, encouraging and presumably handing out chastisements when they are required.

However, in his play, maturity is shining through. He is helped this season by having a united dressing room with the biggest distraction removed to wetter surroundings. His performances this season seem unshackled, the burdens of inconsistency in the team as a whole relieving the necessity to single-handedly win games. That is not to decry his influence this season where in midfield, he has been the fulcrum of the side. The sporadic reappearance of Tomas Rosicky and the first full season of Andrei Arshavin has shared the weight. Returning to the first team will mean Samir Nasri and Theo Walcott can also accept their responsibilities for creation. Most players are chipping in with goals – Sagna and Clichy presumably saving their efforts for the winter – which is easing the need for any superman heroics on the Spaniards part.

The questions raised about William Gallas’ mental state are needless and insulting on the part of the interrogator. Events referred to were 12 months ago and nothing since he returned to the side should have led anyone to believe there has been a problem with his attitude. He has been utterly professional in his outlook and this season, consistent in performance, no little doubt due to the presence of a naturally left-sided central defender as a partner but also the solidity of Vermaelen’s outings.

The Belgian noted the start to the season, quietly underlining the determination of the squad to challenge for trophies:

If we look at the rankings, we are second and it is a message to other teams that we are involved in the race to be champions. It is good that we have had a good series of games. It is important to continue and stay focused on every game because there are a lot of important games.

To use a cliche, they are all important games. Whilst doing well in the ‘mini-league’ between the top four is important, three points gained in those matches count for the same as those won against lower placed sides which is where failings were highlighted last season. The cobwebs which were so clearly on display against the likes of Hull and Stoke have so far, been majestically swept away. That attitude needs to continue.

Injuries undoubtedly count but thus far, the squad has coped with them. More will come such is the nature of football but there are enough capable players in the squad to minimise their impact. On which front, the impending return of Theo Walcott can only help since Nicklas Bendtner has told the Danish media that he will be having a hernia op shortly. Presumably that means that he will not be back in the squad until December. Whilst there is cover on the right, a naturally attacking player serves Arsene well with Eboue providing the defensive requirement should he need that option.

Going into the break in second place with a game in hand sets up the uninterrupted club schedule nicely until Winter’s international friendlies. Building upon that is crucial to a challenge being made successfully next May.

’til Tomorrow

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