Maturing Cesc continues to bloom

Arsenal FC midfielder Cesc Fabregas believes he is getting better with every game after a masterful performance against Juventus put the English side in touching distance of a place in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. Fabregas scored once and set up Arsenal's second as they defeated the Serie A champions 2-0 at Highbury to take command of their quarter-final tie. "I'm getting better and better, I'm feeling strong and stronger after every training session, every game," Fabregas said. "That is also because we are playing really well, we are improving a lot. We are young, we can do it, we want to do it and we have time to do it. Confidence is high."

Masterful
Fabregas, 18, was masterful as Arsène Wenger's young team cut through their experienced opponents. He scored the first five minutes before half-time, shooting low beyond Gianluigi Buffon after a flowing Arsenal move, then ensured they pressed home their advantage in the second half, eventually teeing up Thierry Henry for the second 20 minutes from time. Fabregas's confident, vibrant display contrasted with that of Patrick Vieira, who on his return to Highbury struggled, alongside Emerson in midfield, to contain Arsenal's free-flowing movement.

'Hard work'
If Fabregas had been daunted to line up opposite two FIFA World Cup winners he did not show it. "It's always difficult to play against players like Patrick and Emerson in midfield," he said. "Emerson is going to play in the World Cup for Brazil, Patrick for France. They are two of the best midfielders in the world. If you are 18 and playing against them, you just have to try and enjoy it and work hard for the team. That's what we did."

'Great example'
Vieira played an important part in Fabregas's development during his nine-year spell with Arsenal. "His ambition, his character, his power - you can learn everything from him," Fabregas said. "It's not easy to come back here, after ten years, in a different shirt, asking for the ball, tackling your ex team-mates and having to do it all for another team. He is a great example. It's always good to play against players you have made jokes with in the dressing room, you have learnt from. But even more for Thierry [Henry]. They played so many years together, now they're playing against each other. It was strange for me, but even more for him."

'Confidence high'
Fabregas is gaining in stature with every game he plays. He recently made his debut for Spain and now has his sights set on a place in the World Cup squad. But he is taking nothing for granted as he establishes himself at the heart of Wenger's young side. "Every game is important, every training session, because if you don't play well you are not going to play. You have to show everyone you can play for Arsenal, every single player, and that is what we're doing. The confidence is high and when things are going well we just have to be focused for the next game."

'Half-time'
Arsenal kept a remarkable seventh consecutive clean sheet in the competition against Juve, matching AC Milan's feat of last season. Juve will have to push forward in Turin giving Fabregas more room to exploit. In addition Vieira will miss the second leg through suspension. Things seem to be falling nicely into place, but Arsenal will not be looking to the semi-finals just yet. "It was a good result," Fabregas said. "Against a team like Juventus it's not easy to score two goals and not concede one. We knew it was very important not to concede. It's half-time now and we will see what happens."