Fabregas says English title still in Gunners´ sights

AFP - 30 November 2008 02:15

Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal´s newly-appointed captain (seen here in October), has insisted the Gunners still haven´t given up hope of winning the English Premier League title this season.

LONDON (AFP) - Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal's newly-appointed captain, has insisted the Gunners still haven't given up hope of winning the English Premier League title this season.

Arsenal travel to leaders and London rivals Chelsea on Sunday knowing they are 10 points off top spot following five league defeats already this season.

But they will be buoyed by a 1-0 Champions League win over Dynamo Kiev at the Emirates Stadium here Tuesday - Fabregas's first match as Arsenal captain.

Victory over the Ukrainians, secured by Nicklas Bendtner's late goal, saw Arsenal into the last 16 of European football's leading club competition with a match to spare.

It was a welcome result for Arsenal following the negative headlines generated by William Gallas's public criticisms of his team-mates, remarks which saw the France defender stripped of the club captaincy by compatriot and Gunners manager Arsene Wenger.

Arsenal's title aspirations may have been written off by many pundits but not by 21-year-old Spain midfielder Fabregas.

"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 added he felt no extra pressure now he was captain. "It was a normal game for me and I don't really think about it. I am committed to the game and I do not realise if I am wearing the armband or not. I just to try to play for Arsenal and my team-mates and give my best."

Looking ahead, Fabregas said he expected an open game at Stamford Bridge. "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."