The Spaniard has been at the centre of transfer talk, having played just 32 minutes in the Premier League under Antonio Conte this season.
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Games between the London rivals had an extra edge with Wenger and Mourinho in opposite dugouts, but the Gunners boss insists any meeting with Chelsea has always been about the teams rather than the managers. But I didn’t think to leave Chelsea, not even for a second’.
Fabregas, however, expressed his desire to spend more time on the field, saying it was very hard for him to watch his team from the substitutes’ bench.
Fabregas was given a chance in the EFL Cup on Tuesday and netted a match-winning brace in a 4-2 victory over Leicester City.
Conte also added: “Arsenal are a great team that will fight for the title so it’s a big week but we are ready”.
“Sometimes if you judge only on the wins, you make a big mistake and you pay for this in the future”.
While Conte was happy to provide a case for Wenger’s defence, the Italian hopes to give him another headache at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. “We know we have to work to improve because I know we can improve a lot, this is important”.
Arsenal fans may not be particularly pleased by the appointment of Oliver – who will be joined by assistants Gary Beswick and Stuart Burt, along with fourth official Craig Pawson – given that they are winless in the last eight league games that the 31-year-old has officiated.
“First and foremost, it’s a massive game and we just need to keep our discipline and stay in the game”.
“Im seeing him very focused and concentrated”.
And in spite of his lack of football in recent weeks, Fabregas praised Conte as a “brilliant coach”.
“When we conceded a goal, all the team conceded, not only the defenders”.
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The North London club received a total of three red cards in their two games against the Blues last season with Per Mertesacker, Santi Cazorla and Gabriel Paulista all sent off. We must work a lot on this aspect.
