Fabregas ready to deliver

Arsenal begin a new era under the captaincy of Cesc Fabregas - who has pledged the young Gunners must now "fulfil our potential".

Manager Arsene Wenger stripped former Chelsea defender William Gallas of the captaincy and left him out of the group at Manchester City on Saturday following his latest public criticism of the squad, questioning their fighting spirit and revealing details of a supposed troubled dressing room.

His replacement Fabregas declared: "I know it is a big responsibility, but together with my team-mates, I know we have the spirit and commitment to get back to winning ways and fulfil our potential."

While Gallas, 31, has been reinstated to his defensive role for the Champions League clash against Dynamo Kiev, Wenger decided enough was enough and moved to appoint 21-year-old Fabregas as the new permanent skipper, one of the youngest in the club's history.

The influential Spain international midfielder is already regarded as an integral part of Wenger's squad and intends to make the most of the opportunity, which cynics could suggest would be a further sweetener to ward off any potential transfer away from the Emirates Stadium.

"It is a great honour for me to captain one of the biggest clubs in the world. It is a proud moment," Fabregas added.