By Randy Osae
By Randy OsaeArsenal's 21 year-old skipper Cesc Fabregas is trying to spur on the team's mindset in just his second game as leader. It's logical to infer that Arsenal's mission at Stamford Bridge will be to earn a satisfactory result due to the woeful patch they have been on. The Gunners will have little to boast when they visit west London and despite not expecting the blues to lay back, Fabregas intends to put on a tigerish character and neglect that underdog tag. That's something done by the last team to win at Chelsea. Liverpool were no favorites in that clash of the top two earlier this season, and kept their composure to see out a sensational victory.That will be the only formula to dismantling Chelsea, and Arsenal's captain believes in it.“Our target is to go there and win,” said Fabregas. “We need to get some points back. “Arsenal never go for a draw and a club like Chelsea will be the same as us. Every time I have played against them they have gone forward and tried to gain victory. We will expect it will be the same on Sunday.“They have been playing really well at home. I haven’t watched a lot of the games but the times I have seen them they have played some very, very good stuff with quick football and good combinations. I respect them a lot but will we see.”There could be better news in the build-up for Arsenal as far as injury worries are concerned. Trio Emmanuel Adebayor, Samir Nasri and Bacary Sagna have been deemed very likely to return on Sunday. On Wednesday, Arsene Wenger clarified that they had "50-50" chances of being fit to play, but further news and a confirmation will be available on Friday.
Please say hello to Arsenal SPOT's new columnist, Karl M. Tinsley. Karl is a long serving hardcore Gooner and has been through all Arsenal times, from glories to gloom.
From now on, he will give his conscientious views and analysis on every Arsenal result this season. So read on and see if you can agree with his thoughts on the match with Dynomo Kyiv.
By Karl M. Tinsley
Top 3 stars of match
(1)Robin van Persie: while he didn't score, Robin was really working that cultured left foot of his and dropping bombs on the Kyiv net from set pieces. Lovely to see Robin getting his ball on target and finding his stroke just in time for the Chelsea match. Definitely a match he can build on. (2)Nicklas Bendtner: Did what a super-sub is supposed to do...find the back of the net. While his control on Cesc's long ball was a bit dodgy, he got the benefit of the doubt and showed great maturity in picking his spot, keeping his head down and weight over the ball as he crushed it short side with his left foot. Doubtless a huge relief for the "Great Dane" who has come in for a withering barrage of criticism from The Arsenal faithful based upon several ineffective performances he has strung together of late. The shirt-off display was pathetic...just reminded me of his lack of maturity and professionalism.
(3)Cesc Fabregas: First game as captain and he assists on the winning goal late. A sweet result/reward for the Spaniard. One game into his captaincy and he has already stamped his authority and legitimacy of his leadership over the club. This was not an easy match for Cesc as he had to babysit the youngsters in midfield and take on captain's responsibilities.
Honorable Mention (key performer)
Manuel Almunia: He didn't have alot to do this match...but he stayed sharp...and made a pivotal save on Milevskiy who was free and clear in our 18 yard box. I also noticed Almunia barking at his backline a lot more and this can only be a positive for a keeper who tends to behave much too passively in between the posts for the Gunners.
Lemon (low performer)
Denilson: Another match and another uninspired performance from a player supposedly fighting for the chance to make a permanent move into the starting XI of Arsenal. The lack of foot speed, aggression, commitment to defence and passing "nous" makes him a questionable decision for first team football. While he didn't hurt the club today...he offered precious little as usual. We simply cannot have a player of his likeness just making up the numbers on the pitch. The return of Eboue, Diaby, Walcott and etc cannot come fast enough. Denilson would be better served on a loan deal to a lower level team in the Premiership where he can get more touches and hone his game.
FINAL THOUGHTS A scrappy win for sure but at this juncture of the season...a win is a win is a win!!. In 2-3 weeks nobody will remember the quality of the victory...just that we won and got our club off the snide and back on the winning track with a little bump of momentum leading into this weekend's mega tilt with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. We got our win the hard way, a late goal on a team ravaged by injuries. Many have questioned our heart and ability to win "ugly"...tonight showed me that the heart, spirit and fight is back in the club and we are in safe hands with Cesc Fabregas leading the charge! As always, GUNS IN GUNS OUT :-) Karlos
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