New Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas was full of praise for predecessor William Gallas when speaking to Setanta Ireland after his side booked their place in the knockout stages of The Champions League.
The Gunners defeated Dynamo Kiev 1-0 at Emirates Stadium after labouring for much of the game before Nicklas Bendtner’s late goal sealed the points and qualification. The game was marked by the return to the side of Gallas - left out at Manchester City at the weekend after his public comments about dressing room unrest in North London.
Fabregas played a key role in the winner and after he began his new reign as Gallas' replacement, he insisted that the victory was what mattered the most before saying that the French defender’s commitment at the club remains unquestioned.
“It was difficult but you could that every time he [Gallas] touched the ball it was cheering him up and he was fantastic,” the Spaniard told Setanta Ireland.
“He is a big professional and nobody doubts his commitment and he has shown that tonight again."
On the game, which could have gone against his side had Kiev had a little more luck, Fabregas added: “The most important thing was the result. It was a difficult game because every team who comes here comes to defend and try to play on the counter attack. But we were patient and continued to play our football and in the end we scored the goal that we deserved.”
Fabregas also hailed goalkeeper Manuel Almunia. The midfielder’s compatriot had been another mooted contender to take the armband from Gallas and while that did not transpire, his mind remained on the job as he did very well to deny Artem Milevski just before Bendtner’s goal.
“Almunia has kept up in games four or five times now. He is growing in every game and is vital for us. Everyone respects him in the dressing room and he is gaining confidence so he is fantastic for us.”
Next up for The Gunners is a Premier League showdown with leaders Chelsea in North London on Sunday – surely a must win game for Fabregas’ side, but then again every game is like that according to the Euro 2008 winner.
“We always go to win. Since I have been here we have never gone in to a game to draw or lose. We will try to win and then we will see what happens.
“But it is a very important game for us and if we can get the three points it would be good and maybe will get us back into the race.”