Cesc seeks cutting edge

Arsenal skipper wants clinical performance

Last updated: 30th April 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Cesc seeks cutting edge

Fabregas: Demanding improvement

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Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has told his men to be 'clinical' when they face Manchester United at Emirates Stadium next week.

The Gunners lost 1-0 at Old Trafford on Wednesday night in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final.

The Red Devils carved out several good chances to extend their lead, while Arsenal rarely threatened, but the tie remains delicately poised ahead of the return leg.

Fabregas is confident Arsenal can overturn their deficit and advance to the final but he accepts they must be a lot sharper.

"We have to be more clinical in front of goal - that is for sure," said the Spanish midfielder.

"We passed the ball a lot and combined very well, but we were not clinical enough. That is what we have to improve."

Stronger

Manchester United have taken just one point from their three Premier League visits to Arsenal's new ground and were defeated 2-1 in November thanks to a brace from Samir Nasri.

Fabregas added: "How much stronger are we at home? We showed that in the Premier League, by beating them and scoring two goals.

"Let's think about the league (game against Portsmouth on Saturday), and the tie is still open.

"You look at the 1-0 scoreline, and we have seen worse things than that in the Champions League.

"Manchester United deserved to win, but now it is up to us to play well at the Emirates and beat them."

Clear conscience

Meanwhile, Fabregas maintains that his conscience is clear despite being charged with two counts of improper conduct following allegations he spat at Hull City assistant boss Brian Horton.

The Gunners were asked by the Football Association to provide their observations after receiving submissions from City in the wake of the FA Cup match between the sides.

Fabregas has been given until 12th May to respond and the matter is then likely to be decided by an independent commission.

He has always denied the allegations and insists he did nothing wrong by celebrating on the pitch after the win for Arsenal.

"Eight players were on the pitch as well, so then everyone should be suspended," he said.

"If I am suspended for that, my heart and my mind will be relaxed because I have not done anything wrong."