ANR reply from Steve : Cesc
1. I was at the Wolves game.
Unless people were there for the whole game, I’m not sure they can comment what happened during it with any great authority.
What hasn’t been mentioned is that the ref gave us practically nothing all game. Before the Cesc challenge there were some very dodgy decisions in favour of the home side. One in particular took place in front of the Arsenal fans. Cesc was behind Stephen Hunt near the Arsenal corner flag. Hunt then fell over dragging down Cesc with him – the usual “professional/cynical” behaviour expected from a McCarthy side. The ref fell for Hunt’s tactics and gave a free kick to Wolves which understandably got under Fabregas’ skin.
I think this, together with the other decisions, contributed to the extra bite that Fabregas put into the game towards the end. It doesn’t necessarily excuse it – but I think it goes some way to explaining it.
2. On Friday I was lucky enough to be at London Colney training ground, where I met most of the first team players, including Cesc.
If Cesc is “down”, or disappointed at not being at Barcelona, then he hides it very well! Although being with someone for 5 minutes doesn’t make you an authority on them – from what I saw first hand it appeared that Cesc is content where he is. It left me feeling much more positive about him and the team.