Cesc Fabregas issues Arsenal title assessment after talking to coaches around Europe

Ex-Arsenal capatain Cesc Fabregas has heaped praise on former side as they aim for a sensational end to the season.

Mikel Arteta’s men currently sit top of the Premier League with seven fixtures left to play, while the scores are level at 2-2 on aggregate ahead of their second-leg showdown against Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals of the Champions League next week. It could well be a thrilling end to an impressive campaign for the north Londoners.

Whether they do end up with some silverware to show for their efforts or not, Fabregas is of the belief that Arsenal are heading in the right direction. The Spaniard said as much, speaking to the Evening Standard just days before the Gunners host another huge clash against Aston Villa in the league on Sunday afternoon.

“100 per cent they are getting there, 100 per cent they are now Arsenal,” the former Gunners explained. “You go around Europe, you speak to coaches, top teams, fans and they will all say that Arsenal are one of the best teams to watch and compete.

“They are getting this experience, coaching staff and players, to find different solutions. It is great to see and I do think they are very close to getting something very soon. It is fantastic to see Arsenal getting involved in the (title) race.”

Arsenal have shown a different side to themselves at times this season, with the Gunners better at adapting to the demands of their opponents and coming up with an answer. The recent league clash against title rivals Manchester City is evidence of that.

Last season, Arteta’s side were brushed aside 4-1 at the Etihad. Nearly 12 months later, a more resilient Gunners outfit were worthy of a point in a 0-0 draw that keeps them in the driving seat for a first league crown since 2004.

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has guided the Gunners to the top of the Premier League

Fabregas highlighted the most recent visit to Manchester as a reason why Arsenal are significantly stronger this time around. The Gunners gave the reigning champions very little in terms of chances and forged a few of their own.

“You see the way they are competing in a different manner. The way they prepared the game against City, even I didn’t expect it. I was expecting a completely different approach, but you see that they are managing maybe the situations a little bit better.”

This title race is a three horse one, with Liverpool currently sat between table-toppers Arsenal and current holders City. Just one point separates all three of them.

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