Arsenal’s 0-0 draw against Chelsea at the weekend will not go down in history as one of the classic games, although the Arsenal faithful will have left feeling more hopeful than when they arrived, gambling on Wenger being right that the solid performance will stop the rot, and put the 4-0 drubbing at Anfield out of everyone’s mind.
For most, however, the match will be more memorable for a glimpse of the man seen by many as their long lost son, Cesc Fàbregas. Whenever the teams meet, there is a feeling that something is wrong, the man is wearing the wrong shirt. And judging by a recent interview with Sky, the feeling is mutual.
An emotional Fàbregas told reporters prior to the game that he sees Wenger as a father figure and has a huge attachment for the club. The truth is, everyone is still in a state of disbelief that Wenger chose not to take him back when he left Barcelona. It was three years ago, yet it still feels like an open wound.
Gambling on a return?
During the transfer window, the online bookmakers were keen to fan the flames, and the sports betting and online casino sites offered tempting odds. The truth is, Fàbregas has spent more time on the bench than you would expect for a man of his talent. However, Conte made it clear in June that he would only sell if a “substantial” offer was placed on the table.
Of course, this is where the line between head and heart can often be crossed, and it is a reason why many die hard fans might well have been tempted to place a pound or two on his return in the summer. The thought of both seeing the prodigal son come home and at the same time cashing in on a long odds wager is a tempting one, and neatly demonstrates why sports betting sites and online casinos like https://www.toplivecasino.co.uk/review/dunder-live-casino/ are so popular with sports fans. Whether it is a sporting wager or a spin of the roulette wheel, we all like to think we can beat the odds once in a while and that dreams can come true.
Away from the slots and the roulette wheels, the reality of the Fàbregas situation is that if he was really likely to return to his spiritual home, it would probably have happened in 2014.
What lies ahead for Fàbregas?
The biggest question relating to his future is just how much time he will spend in the middle. In both 2015 and 2016, there was concern that he was not seeing enough field time, and while he has been the most present midfielder in the Blues lineup so far this season, Antonio Conte’s stated intention to rotate the squad will cause concerns. It didn’t happen against the Gunners, but with the likes of Eden Hazard keen to make an impression, the bench could be beckoning.
If this becomes a reality, then the transfer rumours are certain to start up again when the next window comes around. But is a return to Arsenal really possible? Well, we can all dream.