08 was some of the best football I've ever seen. Up until Eduardo's injury we were running away with it... Best Arsenal team since the invincible team imo
"Rosický was injured, sometimes". Quite an understatement. We missed "little Mozart" in so many games. A real shame, because he was absolutely wonderful to watch.
Arsene Wenger's tactical knowledge was/is massively underrated I swear the man made stars every season of his entire Arsenal career what a coach/manager dearly missed by real football fans
Arsene got bodied tacically in most big games in the last 10 years. In the Cesc era he was a prioneer, but ultimately the game caught up with him, and then surpassed him.
@@Fortunaatp it wasn't the game that caught up it was rather a financial problem tactically no one was better until Pep Arsene is a football genius only fake football fans like you would say otherwise.
This proves you know little about the game get back to me with a legit argument, Arsene wenger had to sell in players before replacing them, the cash he was aloud to spend before selling one or two of his star players was way little compared to Man United, Chelsea, Man city and even Liverpool spent better Arsene's Arsenal, He had to pay the stadium debt and still wasn't aloud enough funds until Arsenal fans woke up to the poor management of the club by the Kronkes hence the protests leading to Arsene's retirement he's criminally Underrated.
What an education he had. Coming through La Masia, and then as a kid at arsenal, for his first full senior season having Patrick Vieira, Gilberto Silva and Edu to play with and learn from.
Back in 2007, I first discovered football, and Arsenal's style of play blew me away. They showed me that football could be simple yet exhilarating. I even ditched five years of cricket training overnight just to get a pair of boots and start playing football the very next day. It's been an incredible 16-year journey as a Gooner, and I can honestly say it's one of the best decisions I've ever made. Looking back, running freely on the field, the sense of togetherness among teammates, and the camaraderie were what made it all so special. Fast forward to today, I'm 32 years old, and my passion for football hasn't waned one bit. Every morning, I eagerly wake up to watch football coaching videos, determined to keep improving my game. Football has brought so much joy and contentment into my life, and I'm grateful for the memories and all the people I have met along the way.
It's like I'm reading a carbon copy of the story of my love for Arsenal and football as a whole. I fell in love with Arsenal during the 08 season, the season we could've won the league (Eduardo injury will haunt me forever). I started playing football, mimicking my play with Fabregas whose jersey was the first I bought (and still have it albeit in a pathetic condition😅). The fluidity and freedom of play that Arsene allowed his midfielders really accentuated the fact that football is about creativity and joy of doing something out of nothing. Like the comment poster, I too said my goodbye to cricket and 16 years later, still I play or rather hope to play like how the midfielders of Arsenal did back then. The trophy drought was maddening but now as I look back, the quality of football brought in at that time more than made up the love for the beautiful game for me, you and millions around the world❤
That midfield quartet of Cesc Fabregas, Matthieu Flamini, Thomas Rosicky and Alexander Hleb was one of the best I’ve seen in EPL. Shame it only lasted one season.
Remember when Cesc took that penalty when he broke his leg during the game. He hobbled along and still managed to score if I remember correctly. He literally gave everything for our club during them years. He was the catalyst for everything good
Loved that side of 07/08. The football that season going forward with the likes of Fabregas, Rosicky, Hleb, Walcott, Van Persie & Adebayor was absolutely scintillating. The precision of those intricate & incisive one touch/two touch sharp & snappy interchanges, movement off the ball and build up play in the final third at times was utterly breathtaking. That was by far my favourite time being an Arsenal supporter in terms of that electric style of football that we used to play. Just a shame we couldn't get over the line and reward all that exceptional free flowing attacking football with a Prem title at the end of it: ● Going into that Birmingham game which Eduardo broke his leg in we had the opportunity to go 8 points clear as it was an early Saturday K:O on the 27th G/W before everyone else played. ● Including the Birmingham draw we drew 5, lost 2 and won just 1 of our 8 league games in that period which ultimately cost us the title. ● Finished on 83 points (4 points off Man Utd). The 2 we lost were 6 pointers against Man United and Chelsea respectively as well to make it even more painful. Even if we'd just managed to beat United during that horrific run of results it would have hypothetically meant that we would have won the league in hindsight if the 3 points went the other way although obviously I appreciate the entire dynamic of the run in would have been altered by those chain of events. Fine margins. We completely imploded from gameweek 27-34. What could have been 😔.
Loved that side of 07/08. The football that season going forward with the likes of Fabregas, Rosicky, Hleb, Walcott, Van Persie & Adebayor was absolutely scintillating. The precision of those intricate & incisive one touch/two touch sharp & snappy interchanges, movement off the ball and build up play in the final third at times was utterly breathtaking. That was by far my favourite time being an Arsenal supporter in terms of that electric style of football that we used to play. Just a shame we couldn't get over the line and reward all that exceptional free flowing attacking football with a Prem title at the end of it: ● Going into that Birmingham game which Eduardo broke his leg in we had the opportunity to go 8 points clear as it was an early Saturday K:O on the 27th G/W before everyone else played. ● Including the Birmingham draw we drew 5, lost 2 and won just 1 of our 8 league games in that period which ultimately cost us the title. ● Finished on 83 points (4 points off Man Utd). The 2 we lost were 6 pointers against Man United and Chelsea respectively as well to make it even more painful. Even if we'd just managed to beat United during that horrific run of results it would have hypothetically meant that we would have won the league in hindsight if the 3 points went the other way although obviously I appreciate the entire dynamic of the run in would have been altered by those chain of events. Fine margins. We completely imploded from gameweek 27-34. What could have been 😔.
man knows ball. this is how he survived as a footballer although he didn't have the pace or stature to become one he managed to have one of the most successive careers in european football, so underrated
La masia graduate leaving Spain at 16 and breaking into what was an elite Arsenal side. Starting in an FA cup final at 18 and Champions League final at 19. Then going on to captain the club at 21. Cesc’s evolution as ‘young pretender’ to genuine world class player was the stuff of dreams.
npt winning the league that season was purely down to Eduardo having his leg snapped in half... those were the days when people called arsenal p**sys yet we had horrific injuries with Diaby and Ramsey also.Cant play against them so we'll assault them.
@@ReasonablyArsenal I'm not sure, tbh. There is a much bigger argument for losing Saliba in March this year going down to the final third, but Eduardo got injured at the start of February with a lot more games to play. It wasn't as nailed on as it was this year, we also were neck & neck with United, and I think second at the time of Eduardo's injury.
@@MatthewJordan-kp8vh nah, Eduardo was on to be the most ruthless striker in the league at that point. He could of been great but leg snapping was seen as honorable tackling back then. Pretty sure we are clear of utd at that stage? 🤔
@@ReasonablyArsenal We were 3 points clear with the same amount of games played (27) after Eduardo's injury (Feb 23). Maybe we would have won it, but hard to say a 2/3rd choice striker getting injured was the sole reason for our downfall. We still had Adebayor & RVP who clearly just didn't show up in those remaining games. Even still, this was the united team who won it 3 times in a row, I'm not sure us losing Eduardo would have been as clear cut in us not winning the league. That united team was amazing.
One of my favorite players. Not to suggest he isn't skilled, but he played with his brain first and his body second, and I enjoy these kinds of players. Well spoken and humble guy too. Amazing passer.
Fabregas will always be my best CM of all time...he played some good eye catching football that made me love him. Especially with nasri coming in, the tiki taka was immense. Fabregas you're the best
This got me emotional. We played some good football and competed, but we always broke when it counted. Fabregas will always be my favorite player and Im genuinely happy he found success outside the club.
When he left he might have been the best midfielder in the world and arsenal were quit shit i cant blame him for that. Btw his numbers at arsenal are insane that guy was unreal and just didn't fit the Barcelona system.
@@dasurmel1424 How could he not fit the Barca system? He came from La Masia & was at Barca for several years before joining Arsenal. He grew up playing the Barca way. It just didn't work out for him at Barca cause Barca already had Iniesta & Xavi who were the best in the world in that position.
My Favourite Player of All Time: ●Fabregas was 17 years old during virtually the entirety of his breakthrough season of 04/05 and made 33 league appearances (24 starts) in a side just off the back of winning the previous seasons league without losing a game, finished 2nd in that current campaign and won the FA Cup. Just let that sink in. Absolutely frightening 😲. ●Only he and Evan Ferguson have 10+ goals/assists to there names as 18 year olds in the Premier League era. Had to get that one in as an Irishman 😄. ●"Statistics show that in the five years prior to Fàbregas's departure from Arsenal, Fàbregas created 466 goal-scoring chances, made 86 assists and scored 48 goals, all three statistics topping those of new teammates Xavi and Andrés Iniesta, despite both having made more appearances in the same period." ●09/10 League Season: Apps: 27 Goals: 15 Assists: 15 Who knows what numbers he would have finished with that season if he'd avoided a few niggling injuries during the first half of that campaign and not fractured his leg to Barca in March and been ruled out for the remainder of the season. I've no doubt that he would have comfortably broken the record of 20 assists in a PL season and in all likelihood would have 20+ League goals to his name alongside it. All from CM at 22 years of age in his second season as club captain as well it's worth noting. ●Made captain of Arsenal at the tender age of 21 as well. He was absolute magic.
Great timing to release this video just as he's announced his retirement. Thank you Cesc for everything, you legend, one of the best passers this game has ever seen 💜💜
2 goals (both worldies) & 11 assists in 13 PL appearances against them as an Arsenal player including an assist in each fixture as a 17 year old in his breakthrough season of 04/05. He was a thorn in there backside from 04-11 😆.
it goes further back than that. Herbert Chapman (you should know who he is if you're Arsenal!) was an innovator and developed the W M formation back in the 1920's/30's, basically the precursor to modern/total football...
Bro that’s the problem with these Pep fans😂 they think he invented everything that there is in football; when in fact everything Pep is doing Has been done before by managers like Sir Matt Busby Jock Stein Happel Sacchi Cruyff Rinus Michels Sir Alex Wenger etc.
Sometimes ppl forget that footballers know and understand this beautiful game like no other..the insights..the analysis..the system yeah..they really know
Watching him break down every separate Arsenal XI was like going down memory lane, trodding down my childhood days. No one picked Arsenal for me, I fell in love with the club during Bergkamp's reign, the highs, suffered for all those years, and now to see us back challenging again, I could do it all over again. Arsenal till the day I die.
Imagine being 16 and breaking into the Invincibles team.!!??? Cesc was one of the few prodigies in Football who actually lived up to his hype and even exceeded expectations. Cesc at Arsenal was a very Special player.👏
My Favourite Player of All Time: ● Fabregas was 17 years old during virtually the entirety of his breakthrough season of 04/05 and made 33 league appearances (24 starts) in a side just off the back of winning the previous seasons league without losing a game, finished 2nd in that current campaign and won the FA Cup. Just let that sink in. Absolutely frightening 😲. ● Youngest Arsenal goalscorer: (16 years 212 days v Wolves Dec 2003) Youngest Arsenal goalscorer in League: (17 years 113 days v Blackburn Aug 2004) Youngest Arsenal goalscorer in Europe: (17 years 217 days v Rosenborg Dec 2004) ● Only he and Evan Ferguson have 10+ goals/assists to there names as 18 year olds in the Premier League era who weren't from England. Had to get that one in as an Irishman 😄. ● Statistics show that in the five years prior to Fàbregas's departure from Arsenal, Fàbregas created 466 goal-scoring chances, made 86 assists and scored 48 goals, all three statistics topping those of new teammates Xavi and Andrés Iniesta, despite both having made more appearances in the same period. ● 09/10 League Season: Apps: 27 Goals: 15 Assists: 15 Who knows what numbers he would have finished with that season if he'd avoided a few niggling injuries during the first half of that campaign and not fractured his leg to Barca in March and been ruled out for the remainder of the season. I've no doubt that he would have comfortably broken the record of 20 assists in a PL season and in all likelihood would have 20+ League goals to his name alongside it. All from CM at 22 years of age in his second season as club captain as well it's worth noting. ● All time leader in history of assists for Spanish national team. ● Most assists as a CM in the 21st century ahead of the likes of Lampard, Gerrard, Iniesta & Xavi. ● Only player in PL era to record 10+ assists in 6 separate seasons. ● 2nd All Time Leader in assists in PL history to Ryan Giggs who spent 9 and a half more seasons than him in the PL . ● Made captain of Arsenal at the tender age of 21 as well. He was absolute magic.
It broke my heart when he was sold and later going to Chelsea. I’m only forgiving him now slowly and nostalgic and emotional about those days of having him, help, the little Mozart etc. Loved them.
The effect Mourinho had on English football is crazy, since he introduced the 4-3-3 and walked the league in his first season (2004-2005) both Wenger and Sir Alex switched from their 4-4-2 that they have been using for years, it’s no coincidence.
Mourinho created an era using defensive football to win the league, but it was a short era cos his tactic got too many weaknesses if used in league match.
Can completely see what Cesc means about enjoying the 08/09 team more. The Invincibles & the 98 side were definitely the most affective Wenger sides but the midfield quartet of Rosicky, Fabregas, Flamini & Hleb were a joy to watch.
One of my favourite ever players, and i'm a liverpool fan. tried to model my own game after him haha. brilliant player. hope there's a chelsea vid coming. The fabregas/costa link-up was elite.
Seeing Arteta's style of play it does remind me a lot of what Cesc talks about with Wenger. Having Arserne and Pep as a mentor, I can see him doing much better in future. He eats and sleeps football. A perfectionist. I think we are in good hands. You can also see it with the Veira's as the Kompany's of this world, their understanding of the game is next level. They are the future Roy Hodgen's of the PL.
Rosicky, Hleb, Flamini plus RVP this was another big gamble/innovation from Arsene. We think of it as all these 10s but it's really highly technical ball retention/distribution players
One of the only midfielders who could play as a false 9, a 10, an 8 and a regista at an elite level. Had the most assists and chances created from 2007-2011 in EUROPE. This when Messi, Ronaldo etc were playing. 2nd most assists in premier league history, despite Giggs playing for an extra 10 years. Gundogan is a Cesc regen, Pep even said this.
07/08 was the only year nearly all the players stayed fit. The rest of the time Van Persie, Diaby and Rosicky were out for 5 or 6 months at a time after that season. The amount of injuries was actually ridiculous. Then Fabregas started to get injured then everyone else for some reason: Wilshere, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Ramsey etc. Without injuries Arsenal could have won the Premier League. Also if the spending wasn't restricted we can only imagine what Arsene Wenger could have achieved with the sort of money Chelsea were spending at that time. Arsenal only lost out on Cristiano Ronaldo to Man Utd because they couldn't out bid them for example.
As an Arsenal fan Every fan of this club loves you although some of them hide their love because of leaving the club earlier than others and then joining our rival club Chelsea but trust me we are grateful even now and what you have done for this club you will always be remembered and loved for most of us and you have been my favorite player ever including Thomas Rosicky and jack Wilshire with these players ware with you ware something I will find hard to see again in football. Thank you sesc and thanks for your Educational video wish you all the very best my role model ❤ once a goners always a gooner
Great video as always, just a little suggestion that I think would really bring the explanations to life: Could you include small video clips of the examples of things they are talking about? For example Cesc talks about his role as a number 10 towards the end and how intelligent Ade and RVP's runs were in the box and they scored a lot of goals off that. If there was just a 7 second clip of one such goal then it would really bring the whole thing to life. Same goes for the videos in which managers are talking about/analysing specific games. Thanks!
This video sum up all arsenal tactical problem during last few years of wenger era. You can't have all players move in to the center to break low block.
Cesc is going to be a wonderful manager - he already has the clear communication skills and personality for it! Good luck managing Como but come back to London someday!
Ohhhh Damn! 07/08 season was the season for me! I remember I fell ill that Easter weekend when we lost the possibility of winning the league after defeat by Chelsea and United coming from behind to beat Liverpool. My goodness, I loved that Arsenal team; they were young and so full of life especially the Midfield of Hleb, Flamingo, Cesc, Rosicky, Denilson... I totally fell in love with the Arsenal then !
he retired today from Como fc....he is going to be coaching their youth players.....Arsenal should consider him for managerial position after sometime.
Arsenal should bring him back in coaching role. It never hurts to have a former midfield maestro Gunner sharing his experience and nurturing the young players or even share his tactical input for the 1st team squad.
I trained under a fella (can't think of he's name) who used to coach Arsenal under 16s and had worked with Wenger for years. The tactical knowledge this fella had was immense. We would drill and he would stop the game and he could pick apart any player in any position and why they were in the wrong area or the run they did was wrong. It was like he was watching a chess match. He said even at the training ground staff needed knowledge of football or he didn't want them in or around the grounds. It was a whole philosophy.
Arsenal fan. Anyone giving Cesc a hard time doesn't know his history. Over 300 appearances for Arsenal (youngest ever first team player aged 16), won a trophy (FA Cup 2005), captain of the football club, and crucial in our run to the Champions League final (2006). Went back to his boyhood club Barcelona (when they were peak Messi / Iniesta era). Wanted to re-sign for us - ahead of Chelsea - but Wenger was too stubborn / had unreasonable faith in players that were injury prone (Diaby) inconsistent (Coquelin) or too old (Flamini).
you chat nuff crap, i watched this club since i was 8 years old, ive seen ALOT come and go, but NOBODY disrespected the club like he did at the time that he did it, he doesn't deserve love, you left you left, good luck and stay away. we dont have rats around us. dirty, nasty attitude, no wonder he suited barca/chelski so well. al this revisionist rubbish " oh wenget COULD of taken him back but he didn't" why on EARTH would anybody take back a back stabbing snake like him? on what grounds? what did he do to earn that love or a second change? grow up you ignorant football fans, he isn't this kid who was hard done by, he doesn't deserve love from arsenal, barca and chelski? yh he did alot for them, for us? he left when we needed him the most! jog on!
He left us when we needed him the most, Wenger never forgave him for that. Interesting now that Cesc is retired he's coming out and talking a lot about Arsenal, not Barca his "boyhood" club. I think he regrets it as well.
notice that mikel arteta also said the same abt great players scanned abt 15-20 before receiving the ball. odegaard is the player in current arsenal squad who can do that
Fabregas was/is my model midfielder. He is one of the best ever in my view. He will always find a way into my best 11 of all time. I'd play him in a midfield trio along with Zidane and Gullit. He broke my heart leaving for Barca and moreso leaving for Chelsea.😢 He might have won trophies, but his stocks fell after leaving Arsenal.
Rosicky used to be injured sometimes Underselling that a bit cesc lol. This is quite bittersweet. Was my idol growing up, now I just remember him being incredible, but don’t have the same fondness as a lot of ex players. Forced his way out, missed training to go to F1, the Barcelona shirt at the euros or World Cup or whatever… he’ll always be one of the best players, but that’s it unfortunately
I'm not a gooner but when Fabregas emerged aged 16 or so. Watching him play, you just knew he had quality for that position. It wasn't in running or strength or pace etc. Just in his positioning and passing. He was so mature for his age. He had a mullet back then.
Great player Cesc. I was gutted they didnt strengthen when he was at his peak. Barca came calling and he seemed a bit disillusioned at Arsenal. He was playing with players who didnt deserve to be playing alongside him. PS ...Vieira/Fabregas midfield axis didn't work. Vieira could do a job as a DMF but he was much more effective box to box. He had to sit to allow Cesc more freedom as he was more foward thinking and less defensive than Vieira.
It was solid but Vieria was restricted, the problem was the profile of each other was too different as a pairing. Vieria is box to box midfielder being asked to play defensive midifeld, not his game & Cesc is a creative playmaker being asked to sit
magical player, head on a swivel never had to look at the ball, would have been the best ever pl midfielder, went to barca where he was waisted constantly changing positions, false 9 etc as pep tried to shoe horn him in, lost a bit of that sparkle in his eye as it never worked with that barca settled midfield, was still good enough to win the league with chelsea and produce moments of class, but wenger saw he was never the same player after that spell in barca, still elite but at arsenal the heavens bowed to his creativity, awareness and execution..
#WengerBall is life. Loved this cycle of talented players. Rosicky lasted the longest. Won the FA Cup with us in 2013. All the others won titles elsewhere RVP (United) Cesc (Barca, Chelsea) Hleb (Barca) Flamini (Milan) Oh, and Abdebarndoor won Copa Del Rey 👑 💩 on loan at Real lol
Massive respect to Cesc. Arsenal fans like to call him a snake just because he moved to a rival club, but the truth is at that time he had no other choice and, despite achieving more at Chelsea, never spoke ill about Arsenal.
Arsenal of 2005 to 2008 was the best football you can see visually and tactically, it was a shame we missed winning league twice and thechampions league final was a fraud
The 07/08 Arsenal team was just fun to watch, the passing and movement of that team was electric
08 was some of the best football I've ever seen. Up until Eduardo's injury we were running away with it... Best Arsenal team since the invincible team imo
That team was very good.
That side should have won the title
@@Earth_Laws 07-08 Arsenal did challenge for the league though.
I don’t care about any other trophies we get. That 07/08 team will forever be in my heart.
"Rosický was injured, sometimes". Quite an understatement. We missed "little Mozart" in so many games. A real shame, because he was absolutely wonderful to watch.
Arsene Wenger's tactical knowledge was/is massively underrated I swear the man made stars every season of his entire Arsenal career what a coach/manager dearly missed by real football fans
Arsene got bodied tacically in most big games in the last 10 years. In the Cesc era he was a prioneer, but ultimately the game caught up with him, and then surpassed him.
@@Fortunaatp it wasn't the game that caught up it was rather a financial problem tactically no one was better until Pep Arsene is a football genius only fake football fans like you would say otherwise.
@@ahmedyasin9569 Lol Wenger spunked £100m on Lucas Perez, Mustafi, Xhaka. He had money at the end he just had no idea how to build a balanced squad.
This proves you know little about the game get back to me with a legit argument, Arsene wenger had to sell in players before replacing them, the cash he was aloud to spend before selling one or two of his star players was way little compared to Man United, Chelsea, Man city and even Liverpool spent better Arsene's Arsenal, He had to pay the stadium debt and still wasn't aloud enough funds until Arsenal fans woke up to the poor management of the club by the Kronkes hence the protests leading to Arsene's retirement he's criminally Underrated.
Wenger lost his marbles a long time ago
What an education he had. Coming through La Masia, and then as a kid at arsenal, for his first full senior season having Patrick Vieira, Gilberto Silva and Edu to play with and learn from.
Snuck in Edu there 😅
@@jagmaharesi2486 was a decent player and certainly valuable for a 15 year old to learn from.
Education from Edu the educator 👨🏫
Esto is Hispania.
Cesc is a cut above ...hard to imagine a 16 year playing for Arsenal in the most physical league in Europe.
Back in 2007, I first discovered football, and Arsenal's style of play blew me away. They showed me that football could be simple yet exhilarating. I even ditched five years of cricket training overnight just to get a pair of boots and start playing football the very next day. It's been an incredible 16-year journey as a Gooner, and I can honestly say it's one of the best decisions I've ever made. Looking back, running freely on the field, the sense of togetherness among teammates, and the camaraderie were what made it all so special.
Fast forward to today, I'm 32 years old, and my passion for football hasn't waned one bit. Every morning, I eagerly wake up to watch football coaching videos, determined to keep improving my game. Football has brought so much joy and contentment into my life, and I'm grateful for the memories and all the people I have met along the way.
As it should be. Love to hear it
It's like I'm reading a carbon copy of the story of my love for Arsenal and football as a whole. I fell in love with Arsenal during the 08 season, the season we could've won the league (Eduardo injury will haunt me forever). I started playing football, mimicking my play with Fabregas whose jersey was the first I bought (and still have it albeit in a pathetic condition😅).
The fluidity and freedom of play that Arsene allowed his midfielders really accentuated the fact that football is about creativity and joy of doing something out of nothing.
Like the comment poster, I too said my goodbye to cricket and 16 years later, still I play or rather hope to play like how the midfielders of Arsenal did back then.
The trophy drought was maddening but now as I look back, the quality of football brought in at that time more than made up the love for the beautiful game for me, you and millions around the world❤
Finally returned the joy to fans this season as well. Hopefully Arteta can build a dynasty
Roy of the Rovers comic book capers going on with the comments 🤔
People don't realise how huge we are as a worldwide fan base, we are the actual sleeping giant.
That midfield quartet of Cesc Fabregas, Matthieu Flamini, Thomas Rosicky and Alexander Hleb was one of the best I’ve seen in EPL. Shame it only lasted one season.
Hleb and rosicky were the successors to Ljunberg and pires
The fluency and possesion these guys controlled was unnatural
What did they win?
@ayanbarua2400 you know you can watch football to enjoy the sport.
@@ACE360x I enjoy football when that team achieve something. If you want to be on the losers side. It's your choice
Remember when Cesc took that penalty when he broke his leg during the game. He hobbled along and still managed to score if I remember correctly. He literally gave everything for our club during them years. He was the catalyst for everything good
I think he played through a hairline fracture on his leg as well after he scored a freak volley from the center line
@@szm5004 he was a top top player, just didn’t have the squad around him otherwise he would have won a lot more.
Could listen to him talk about that 07/08 team for hours. He knew how special that group was.
Loved that side of 07/08. The football that season going forward with the likes of Fabregas, Rosicky, Hleb, Walcott, Van Persie & Adebayor was absolutely scintillating. The precision of those intricate & incisive one touch/two touch sharp & snappy interchanges, movement off the ball and build up play in the final third at times was utterly breathtaking. That was by far my favourite time being an Arsenal supporter in terms of that electric style of football that we used to play. Just a shame we couldn't get over the line and reward all that exceptional free flowing attacking football with a Prem title at the end of it:
● Going into that Birmingham game which Eduardo broke his leg in we had the opportunity to go 8 points clear as it was an early Saturday K:O on the 27th G/W before everyone else played.
● Including the Birmingham draw we drew 5, lost 2 and won just 1 of our 8 league games in that period which ultimately cost us the title.
● Finished on 83 points (4 points off Man Utd). The 2 we lost were 6 pointers against Man United and Chelsea respectively as well to make it even more painful.
Even if we'd just managed to beat United during that horrific run of results it would have hypothetically meant that we would have won the league in hindsight if the 3 points went the other way although obviously I appreciate the entire dynamic of the run in would have been altered by those chain of events. Fine margins. We completely imploded from gameweek 27-34. What could have been 😔.
Fabregas was incredible to watch.. one of my all time favourite Arsenal players
Loved that side of 07/08. The football that season going forward with the likes of Fabregas, Rosicky, Hleb, Walcott, Van Persie & Adebayor was absolutely scintillating. The precision of those intricate & incisive one touch/two touch sharp & snappy interchanges, movement off the ball and build up play in the final third at times was utterly breathtaking. That was by far my favourite time being an Arsenal supporter in terms of that electric style of football that we used to play. Just a shame we couldn't get over the line and reward all that exceptional free flowing attacking football with a Prem title at the end of it:
● Going into that Birmingham game which Eduardo broke his leg in we had the opportunity to go 8 points clear as it was an early Saturday K:O on the 27th G/W before everyone else played.
● Including the Birmingham draw we drew 5, lost 2 and won just 1 of our 8 league games in that period which ultimately cost us the title.
● Finished on 83 points (4 points off Man Utd). The 2 we lost were 6 pointers against Man United and Chelsea respectively as well to make it even more painful.
Even if we'd just managed to beat United during that horrific run of results it would have hypothetically meant that we would have won the league in hindsight if the 3 points went the other way although obviously I appreciate the entire dynamic of the run in would have been altered by those chain of events. Fine margins. We completely imploded from gameweek 27-34. What could have been 😔.
man knows ball. this is how he survived as a footballer although he didn't have the pace or stature to become one he managed to have one of the most successive careers in european football, so underrated
Cesc should make a good manager in the future. Great understanding of the game and played under Wenger, Guardiola, Mouirnho, Conte
And he's spanish, what a surprise
Arteta’s successor 😜
@@skybison_9 no we good
He just took a team up from serie b to serie a in Italy. Lets see how he doea this coming season.
@@skybison_9 NO HE PLAYED FOR CHELSEA .
La masia graduate leaving Spain at 16 and breaking into what was an elite Arsenal side. Starting in an FA cup final at 18 and Champions League final at 19. Then going on to captain the club at 21.
Cesc’s evolution as ‘young pretender’ to genuine world class player was the stuff of dreams.
I guess the 2 biggest regrets of the Wenger area are (1) not winning the Champions League 2005-06 & (2) EPL 2007-08
npt winning the league that season was purely down to Eduardo having his leg snapped in half... those were the days when people called arsenal p**sys yet we had horrific injuries with Diaby and Ramsey also.Cant play against them so we'll assault them.
@@ReasonablyArsenal I'm not sure, tbh. There is a much bigger argument for losing Saliba in March this year going down to the final third, but Eduardo got injured at the start of February with a lot more games to play. It wasn't as nailed on as it was this year, we also were neck & neck with United, and I think second at the time of Eduardo's injury.
@@MatthewJordan-kp8vh nah, Eduardo was on to be the most ruthless striker in the league at that point. He could of been great but leg snapping was seen as honorable tackling back then. Pretty sure we are clear of utd at that stage? 🤔
The Champs league was the biggest regret to this day😢 especially when Henry missed a sitter at the dying minutes how did he miss it still haunts me😔
@@ReasonablyArsenal We were 3 points clear with the same amount of games played (27) after Eduardo's injury (Feb 23). Maybe we would have won it, but hard to say a 2/3rd choice striker getting injured was the sole reason for our downfall. We still had Adebayor & RVP who clearly just didn't show up in those remaining games. Even still, this was the united team who won it 3 times in a row, I'm not sure us losing Eduardo would have been as clear cut in us not winning the league. That united team was amazing.
One of my favorite players. Not to suggest he isn't skilled, but he played with his brain first and his body second, and I enjoy these kinds of players. Well spoken and humble guy too. Amazing passer.
Fabregas will always be my best CM of all time...he played some good eye catching football that made me love him. Especially with nasri coming in, the tiki taka was immense. Fabregas you're the best
Cesc Fabregas talking about the best manager in football Arsene Wenger. They were my heroes growing up. Thank you for this episode ❤
LMFAO he's not the best manager
@@justicedemocrat9357then whos the best manager whos backed by the club ? Arsene wenger never made big signings he made players on his own
This got me emotional. We played some good football and competed, but we always broke when it counted. Fabregas will always be my favorite player and Im genuinely happy he found success outside the club.
We lacked depth . . . one injury and we were wobbling.
Whatever happened in that 06-10 period results wise , the football that we played was sublime. Papa Wenger really spoiled us with the style of play.
One of our greatest midfielders ever, thank you for serving us Cesc. An Icon to be sure.
He is not an icon for Arsenal, he left the club when club needed
When he left he might have been the best midfielder in the world and arsenal were quit shit i cant blame him for that. Btw his numbers at arsenal are insane that guy was unreal and just didn't fit the Barcelona system.
@@mohamedalihashi572 He was sold
@@dasurmel1424 How could he not fit the Barca system? He came from La Masia & was at Barca for several years before joining Arsenal. He grew up playing the Barca way. It just didn't work out for him at Barca cause Barca already had Iniesta & Xavi who were the best in the world in that position.
My Favourite Player of All Time:
●Fabregas was 17 years old during virtually the entirety of his breakthrough season of 04/05 and made 33 league appearances (24 starts) in a side just off the back of winning the previous seasons league without losing a game, finished 2nd in that current campaign and won the FA Cup. Just let that sink in. Absolutely frightening 😲.
●Only he and Evan Ferguson have 10+ goals/assists to there names as 18 year olds in the Premier League era. Had to get that one in as an Irishman 😄.
●"Statistics show that in the five years prior to Fàbregas's departure from Arsenal, Fàbregas created 466 goal-scoring chances, made 86 assists and scored 48 goals, all three statistics topping those of new teammates Xavi and Andrés Iniesta, despite both having made more appearances in the same period."
●09/10 League Season: Apps: 27
Goals: 15
Assists: 15
Who knows what numbers he would have finished with that season if he'd avoided a few niggling injuries during the first half of that campaign and not fractured his leg to Barca in March and been ruled out for the remainder of the season. I've no doubt that he would have comfortably broken the record of 20 assists in a PL season and in all likelihood would have 20+ League goals to his name alongside it. All from CM at 22 years of age in his second season as club captain as well it's worth noting.
●Made captain of Arsenal at the tender age of 21 as well. He was absolute magic.
Great timing to release this video just as he's announced his retirement. Thank you Cesc for everything, you legend, one of the best passers this game has ever seen 💜💜
Best Spanish born and raised English speaker in the prem by far!
When he scored against Spurs just after they kicked off 😂 what an amazing solo goal
2 goals (both worldies) & 11 assists in 13 PL appearances against them as an Arsenal player including an assist in each fixture as a 17 year old in his breakthrough season of 04/05. He was a thorn in there backside from 04-11 😆.
Im glad he pointed that out of Flamini playing at left-back back then for the people who say pep invented the inverted left-back
Playing AT leftback and inverting FROM leftback are two completely different things….!
@@eli61800 it's all the same, Football is very old, it just has a new name
@@bradd__ There is nothing new under the sun.
it goes further back than that. Herbert Chapman (you should know who he is if you're Arsenal!) was an innovator and developed the W M formation back in the 1920's/30's, basically the precursor to modern/total football...
Bro that’s the problem with these Pep fans😂 they think he invented everything that there is in football; when in fact everything Pep is doing Has been done before by managers like Sir Matt Busby Jock Stein Happel Sacchi Cruyff Rinus Michels Sir Alex Wenger etc.
Sometimes ppl forget that footballers know and understand this beautiful game like no other..the insights..the analysis..the system yeah..they really know
Watching him break down every separate Arsenal XI was like going down memory lane, trodding down my childhood days.
No one picked Arsenal for me, I fell in love with the club during Bergkamp's reign, the highs, suffered for all those years, and now to see us back challenging again, I could do it all over again.
Arsenal till the day I die.
Fascinating watch. That 07/08 side in my opinion would have won the Premier League if not for the Rosicky and Eduardo injuries.
Diaby too! He was a hell of a player when he was fit and healthy
Such an amazing player and so much knowledge. Could listen to him and Xabi all day
Imagine being 16 and breaking into the Invincibles team.!!???
Cesc was one of the few prodigies in Football who actually lived up to his hype and even exceeded expectations.
Cesc at Arsenal was a very Special player.👏
My Favourite Player of All Time:
● Fabregas was 17 years old during virtually the entirety of his breakthrough season of 04/05 and made 33 league appearances (24 starts) in a side just off the back of winning the previous seasons league without losing a game, finished 2nd in that current campaign and won the FA Cup. Just let that sink in. Absolutely frightening 😲.
● Youngest Arsenal goalscorer:
(16 years 212 days v Wolves Dec 2003)
Youngest Arsenal goalscorer in League:
(17 years 113 days v Blackburn Aug 2004)
Youngest Arsenal goalscorer in Europe:
(17 years 217 days v Rosenborg Dec 2004)
● Only he and Evan Ferguson have 10+ goals/assists to there names as 18 year olds in the Premier League era who weren't from England. Had to get that one in as an Irishman 😄.
● Statistics show that in the five years prior to Fàbregas's departure from Arsenal, Fàbregas created 466 goal-scoring chances, made 86 assists and scored 48 goals, all three statistics topping those of new teammates Xavi and Andrés Iniesta, despite both having made more appearances in the same period.
● 09/10 League Season: Apps: 27
Goals: 15
Assists: 15
Who knows what numbers he would have finished with that season if he'd avoided a few niggling injuries during the first half of that campaign and not fractured his leg to Barca in March and been ruled out for the remainder of the season. I've no doubt that he would have comfortably broken the record of 20 assists in a PL season and in all likelihood would have 20+ League goals to his name alongside it. All from CM at 22 years of age in his second season as club captain as well it's worth noting.
● All time leader in history of assists for Spanish national team.
● Most assists as a CM in the 21st century ahead of the likes of Lampard, Gerrard, Iniesta & Xavi.
● Only player in PL era to record 10+ assists in 6 separate seasons.
● 2nd All Time Leader in assists in PL history to Ryan Giggs who spent 9 and a half more seasons than him in the PL .
● Made captain of Arsenal at the tender age of 21 as well. He was absolute magic.
It broke my heart when he was sold and later going to Chelsea. I’m only forgiving him now slowly and nostalgic and emotional about those days of having him, help, the little Mozart etc.
Loved them.
The effect Mourinho had on English football is crazy, since he introduced the 4-3-3 and walked the league in his first season (2004-2005) both Wenger and Sir Alex switched from their 4-4-2 that they have been using for years, it’s no coincidence.
Mourinho created an era using defensive football to win the league, but it was a short era cos his tactic got too many weaknesses if used in league match.
So much good work from the players, the boss and the coaching staff. A very underrated period
Can completely see what Cesc means about enjoying the 08/09 team more.
The Invincibles & the 98 side were definitely the most affective Wenger sides but the midfield quartet of Rosicky, Fabregas, Flamini & Hleb were a joy to watch.
One of my favourite ever players, and i'm a liverpool fan. tried to model my own game after him haha. brilliant player. hope there's a chelsea vid coming. The fabregas/costa link-up was elite.
I love so much when i understand when somebody talks in English thanks for your vídeos your channel is awesome
Seeing Arteta's style of play it does remind me a lot of what Cesc talks about with Wenger. Having Arserne and Pep as a mentor, I can see him doing much better in future. He eats and sleeps football. A perfectionist. I think we are in good hands. You can also see it with the Veira's as the Kompany's of this world, their understanding of the game is next level. They are the future Roy Hodgen's of the PL.
I was still mad at you until hearing you this season, happy to watch your history from the tactical POV.
Rosicky, Hleb, Flamini plus RVP this was another big gamble/innovation from Arsene. We think of it as all these 10s but it's really highly technical ball retention/distribution players
One of the only midfielders who could play as a false 9, a 10, an 8 and a regista at an elite level. Had the most assists and chances created from 2007-2011 in EUROPE. This when Messi, Ronaldo etc were playing. 2nd most assists in premier league history, despite Giggs playing for an extra 10 years. Gundogan is a Cesc regen, Pep even said this.
Wow I could listen to Cesc all day
You will always be a GUNNER! Thank you for your beautiful playing!
07/08 was the only year nearly all the players stayed fit. The rest of the time Van Persie, Diaby and Rosicky were out for 5 or 6 months at a time after that season. The amount of injuries was actually ridiculous. Then Fabregas started to get injured then everyone else for some reason: Wilshere, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Ramsey etc. Without injuries Arsenal could have won the Premier League. Also if the spending wasn't restricted we can only imagine what Arsene Wenger could have achieved with the sort of money Chelsea were spending at that time. Arsenal only lost out on Cristiano Ronaldo to Man Utd because they couldn't out bid them for example.
His tactical style is good for a team that has quality players. This takes time to implement. I hope to see him in the premier league soon
Just Masterpiece!
Thanks, Cesc... We know you are a real Gooner at heart. COYG!!
As an Arsenal fan Every fan of this club loves you although some of them hide their love because of leaving the club earlier than others and then joining our rival club Chelsea but trust me we are grateful even now and what you have done for this club you will always be remembered and loved for most of us and you have been my favorite player ever including Thomas Rosicky and jack Wilshire with these players ware with you ware something I will find hard to see again in football.
Thank you sesc and thanks for your Educational video wish you all the very best my role model ❤ once a goners always a gooner
Played under Wenger and Pep and chucked some pizza at Fergie, a truly great coaching apprenticeship.
I think this are the best videos, the side of the player. Cause young players Can Learn all these type of stuff. Nice video
Great video as always, just a little suggestion that I think would really bring the explanations to life: Could you include small video clips of the examples of things they are talking about? For example Cesc talks about his role as a number 10 towards the end and how intelligent Ade and RVP's runs were in the box and they scored a lot of goals off that. If there was just a 7 second clip of one such goal then it would really bring the whole thing to life. Same goes for the videos in which managers are talking about/analysing specific games. Thanks!
It's pretty clear to see that he is going to become a really good coach.
This video sum up all arsenal tactical problem during last few years of wenger era. You can't have all players move in to the center to break low block.
Aweosome! I am totally blown away.
Cesc is going to be a wonderful manager - he already has the clear communication skills and personality for it! Good luck managing Como but come back to London someday!
Wow great video!!! We need more players to talk about there careers this way.....
#57 #15 #4 Fabregas numbers with Arsenal.....
Ohhhh Damn! 07/08 season was the season for me! I remember I fell ill that Easter weekend when we lost the possibility of winning the league after defeat by Chelsea and United coming from behind to beat Liverpool. My goodness, I loved that Arsenal team; they were young and so full of life especially the Midfield of Hleb, Flamingo, Cesc, Rosicky, Denilson... I totally fell in love with the Arsenal then !
Great knowledge and insight. He’s not unhinged enough to be a manager but he has every other attribute
I wonder if arsenal have considered getting him on board for their youth academy the wealth of knowledge he could provide to youngsters is invaluable
he retired today from Como fc....he is going to be coaching their youth players.....Arsenal should consider him for managerial position after sometime.
One of the best and my favorite arsenal players
This fella was brilliant. What a career
This is the player that made me love arsenal
Wenger was so special.
I didn’t know that I was waiting for this one
All that learning about midfield at Arsenal just to go do it with Diego Costa at Chelsea, truly magic!
Arsenal should bring him back in coaching role. It never hurts to have a former midfield maestro Gunner sharing his experience and nurturing the young players or even share his tactical input for the 1st team squad.
Absolute legend
I trained under a fella (can't think of he's name) who used to coach Arsenal under 16s and had worked with Wenger for years. The tactical knowledge this fella had was immense. We would drill and he would stop the game and he could pick apart any player in any position and why they were in the wrong area or the run they did was wrong. It was like he was watching a chess match. He said even at the training ground staff needed knowledge of football or he didn't want them in or around the grounds. It was a whole philosophy.
It was a joy to watch him play with RvP
A top skipper would never be forgotten.
Best mid for Arsenal. Love his style👍🏻
Thank you Cesc :)
Arsenal fan. Anyone giving Cesc a hard time doesn't know his history. Over 300 appearances for Arsenal (youngest ever first team player aged 16), won a trophy (FA Cup 2005), captain of the football club, and crucial in our run to the Champions League final (2006). Went back to his boyhood club Barcelona (when they were peak Messi / Iniesta era). Wanted to re-sign for us - ahead of Chelsea - but Wenger was too stubborn / had unreasonable faith in players that were injury prone (Diaby) inconsistent (Coquelin) or too old (Flamini).
you chat nuff crap, i watched this club since i was 8 years old, ive seen ALOT come and go, but NOBODY disrespected the club like he did at the time that he did it, he doesn't deserve love, you left you left, good luck and stay away. we dont have rats around us. dirty, nasty attitude, no wonder he suited barca/chelski so well. al this revisionist rubbish " oh wenget COULD of taken him back but he didn't" why on EARTH would anybody take back a back stabbing snake like him? on what grounds? what did he do to earn that love or a second change? grow up you ignorant football fans, he isn't this kid who was hard done by, he doesn't deserve love from arsenal, barca and chelski? yh he did alot for them, for us? he left when we needed him the most! jog on!
He left us when we needed him the most, Wenger never forgave him for that. Interesting now that Cesc is retired he's coming out and talking a lot about Arsenal, not Barca his "boyhood" club. I think he regrets it as well.
notice that mikel arteta also said the same abt great players scanned abt 15-20 before receiving the ball. odegaard is the player in current arsenal squad who can do that
Fabregas was/is my model midfielder.
He is one of the best ever in my view.
He will always find a way into my best 11 of all time.
I'd play him in a midfield trio along with Zidane and Gullit.
He broke my heart leaving for Barca and moreso leaving for Chelsea.😢
He might have won trophies, but his stocks fell after leaving Arsenal.
Cesc Legende 🔴⚪️
When Messi and Fabregas both played false 9 under Pep is one of the best football i've seen, ever. It's just out of this world
mark my words this guy i can see this guy being a top manager/coach in the future
Great insight from Fab!
Great watch
This is brilliant!!!!
Legend
Thank you
Rosicky used to be injured sometimes
Underselling that a bit cesc lol.
This is quite bittersweet. Was my idol growing up, now I just remember him being incredible, but don’t have the same fondness as a lot of ex players. Forced his way out, missed training to go to F1, the Barcelona shirt at the euros or World Cup or whatever… he’ll always be one of the best players, but that’s it unfortunately
I'm not a gooner but when Fabregas emerged aged 16 or so. Watching him play, you just knew he had quality for that position. It wasn't in running or strength or pace etc. Just in his positioning and passing. He was so mature for his age. He had a mullet back then.
Pure midfilder, he know how to start the game, every single detail of the match 🤝
My idol!
cesc is my only favorite player, forever💪
Great player Cesc. I was gutted they didnt strengthen when he was at his peak. Barca came calling and he seemed a bit disillusioned at Arsenal. He was playing with players who didnt deserve to be playing alongside him.
PS ...Vieira/Fabregas midfield axis didn't work. Vieira could do a job as a DMF but he was much more effective box to box. He had to sit to allow Cesc more freedom as he was more foward thinking and less defensive than Vieira.
Cesc should have been played as 10/SS like Bergkamp. He was capable of that role
It was solid but Vieria was restricted, the problem was the profile of each other was too different as a pairing.
Vieria is box to box midfielder being asked to play defensive midifeld, not his game & Cesc is a creative playmaker being asked to sit
magical player, head on a swivel never had to look at the ball, would have been the best ever pl midfielder, went to barca where he was waisted constantly changing positions, false 9 etc as pep tried to shoe horn him in, lost a bit of that sparkle in his eye as it never worked with that barca settled midfield, was still good enough to win the league with chelsea and produce moments of class, but wenger saw he was never the same player after that spell in barca, still elite but at arsenal the heavens bowed to his creativity, awareness and execution..
Imagine if he had stayed, and if wilshire has stayed healthy his entire career …. Those two would of been incredible together
@@pappathescooperyeah their link up was very good when they played together. Cesc taught him alot
My favourite arsenal player
Wow Arsene was a genius,he knew the midfield was key.Especially against the top 6.
He will become a good coach one day!!!
#WengerBall is life. Loved this cycle of talented players. Rosicky lasted the longest. Won the FA Cup with us in 2013.
All the others won titles elsewhere
RVP (United)
Cesc (Barca, Chelsea)
Hleb (Barca)
Flamini (Milan)
Oh, and Abdebarndoor won Copa Del Rey 👑 💩 on loan at Real lol
Massive respect to Cesc. Arsenal fans like to call him a snake just because he moved to a rival club, but the truth is at that time he had no other choice and, despite achieving more at Chelsea, never spoke ill about Arsenal.
As an arsenal supporter, it was hard to watch him play for Chelsea. He loved the Arsenal you can tell.
Wow, Brighton really becoming the benchmark in today’s game. Very interesting. 13:28
That time of our history was more on hospital beds than on the pitch.. the amount of injuries we accrued back in those days were ridiculous.
Barca or not, Cesc has the true DNA of Arsenal.
When I teach young players scanning I always used Fabregas.
If you see Wengerball footage from 07-09 that team had incredibly oiled the concept of the third man to attack the spaces.
Posture xaviiiiii 🐐 cm
I only watched arsenal in 2008 to 2011 era. No-one else played like them
Arsenal of 2005 to 2008 was the best football you can see visually and tactically, it was a shame we missed winning league twice and thechampions league final was a fraud