Arsenal 'freed up' by Henry exit
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Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas says Thierry Henry's departure has given the team the freedom to play without fear.
The Gunners were tipped to struggle after striker Henry's exit to Barcelona but they are top of the Premier League.
"Henry intimidated us," 20-year-old Fabregas told the Daily Mail. "He is a great player but it was not easy to play alongside him.
"We were a bit inhibited by him - dependent on everything he wanted to do and his demands. Now it is different."
Fabregas has been in inspirational form for the Gunners so far this season and has already scored six goals in nine games.
He was again on the mark as he grabbed a goal in helping his side to thrashing Derby 5-0 and he insisted the doom merchants only served to galvanise Arsenal when Henry left.
"Everyone was saying that this year without Henry we would be nowhere and that has motivated everyone." -
*Cesc eyes another decade*
Cesc Fabregas has declared himself to be so content at Emirates Stadium that he could still be at Arsenal ten years from now, while at the same time revealing that Thierry Henry's departure has been liberating.
The diminutive Spaniard has been in imperious form thus far this season, with his promptings from the centre of midfield propelling Arsenal to the Premier League summit.
Henry's departure to Barcelona in the summer cast a shadow of uncertainty over North London in pre-season but the form of new talisman Fabregas, and his rapidly maturing team-mates, has seen the mood shift significantly.
Having scored six goals from his last six appearances the 20-year-old is in buyout mood and he predicts that his stay in the capital will prove to be a long one.
Contentment
"Right now, yes," said Fabregas, when quizzed on whether he could see himself at Arsenal in ten years' time.
"I love everything about English football. The pace of the game, the attacking style.
"I feel like a kid playing in the street."
Fabregas proceeded to candidly reveal that Henry's move to Camp Nou lifted a weight of apprehension from those that felt intimidated by the Frenchman's presence.
It would be fair to suggest Arsenal have played with an unbridled enthusiasm and freedom this season, that was conspicuous by its absence in Henry's final campaign with the club. -
They seem to be doing better after Henry's departure.
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yeah. his departure is our blessing becos he whined too much in his last season n his mind n soul was not wif us anymore.Originally posted by iveco:They seem to be doing better after Henry's departure. -
If cesc really decides to stay for 10 years that wud be very fortunate for arsenal
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x2...Originally posted by vishnusux:If cesc really decides to stay for 10 years that wud be very fortunate for arsenal
Hope he can be as good as Paul Scholes or even Ronaldinho.
Cheers. -
not seem leh, they ARE thrashing everyone on their path!Originally posted by iveco:They seem to be doing better after Henry's departure.