Wenger heaps praise on dynamic Fabregas

ARSENE WENGER usually serves praise with a teaspoon rather than a ladle, so his heartfelt eulogy to Francesc Fabregas in the aftermath of the teenager’s superlative performance against Liverpool yesterday was as startling as it was justified

“I have seen a lot of young players start in the game and he is one of the best I have ever seen,” he purred. “He gave a few final balls, set up the first goal and there were a series of key moments in which he was involved. It is very pleasing.”

In seasons to come, Fabregas may come to view this week as the moment he arrived as an Arsenal player. The Spaniard was immense in his team’s two vibrant Champions League performances against Real Madrid, rubbing the stardust off the galacticos, but his display against the European champions yesterday marked another vital stage in his development.