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Camden Sports - by RICHARD OSLEY
Published: 28 May 2009

Cesc Fabregas

‘United’s fab defence won title’

Gunners’ club captain says Old Trafford’s rearguard are behind league success

CLUB captain Cesc Fabregas believes Arsenal must be tougher in defence if they are to challenge Manchester United for honours next season.
As the Gunners finished up trophyless and a disappointing 18 points behind the league winners, Fabregas said the main difference between the two teams was the quality of their back fours.
“They have four defenders who are each really good,” he said. “They are quick, strong, tall, good in the air and aggressive – to be honest for me they are the perfect defence.”
In the days of Tony Adams, Lee Dixon and Nigel Winterburn, Arsenal built championship wins around a miserly rearguard. But in contrast, this season the Gunners have looked shaky when under pressure and have been vulnerable to set pieces and pace.
And shipping four goals against both Chelsea and Liverpool in the final few months of the season must have set alarm bells ringing.
Manager Arsene Wenger, who says he will be spending the summer “analysing” where the team needs to improve, has been linked with a move for several central defenders with the pressure on the club to tighten up.
Fabregas, who helped Arsenal finish the season with a 4-1 thrashing of Stoke on Sunday, added: “I think the difference between Manchester United and the rest this season is mainly that they are amazing defensively. All you can do is say well done and shake their hands, but next season will be another season.”
Arsenal will be desperate to keep hold of Fabregas, who has repeatedly been at the centre of rumours about a potential return to Spain.

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