Nikola Jokic said he is not the only player deserving of MVP honours after strengthening his case by putting up 41 points in the Denver Nuggets' crucial victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.
Jokic is favoured to see off competition from Luka Doncic and be crowned MVP for the third time in four seasons, and he did his hopes no harm in what was arguably the game of the year to date.
The Timberwolves entered the game top of the West due to holding the tiebreaker over the Nuggets, but the reigning NBA champions leapfrogged them with a crucial 116-107 win at Ball Arena.
Jokic added 11 rebounds and seven assists in the 20th 40-point game of his career, shooting 16-of-20 from the field as a big second half carried the Nuggets home in front of a capacity crowd.
Asked what the performance meant for his hopes of landing the league's top individual prize, Jokic said: "I think I'm playing good basketball. The team is playing good basketball,
"I think there is a lot of guys playing really good basketball in the league and a couple of guys deserve to have that award."
The 2021 and 2022 MVP instead preferred to focus on the role of Denver's closers Peyton Watson and Christian Braun, saying: "They were great.
"P-Wat, it seemed like he was all over the place. He was just full of energy. C.B., with that sequence of two minutes, it was really amazing.
"I was happy for those guys. They don't get enough credit for what they are doing on the floor, and they're helping us energy-wise, effort-wise. We need them."
Jokic's huge performance came despite him being guarded by the league's top defender in Rudy Gobert, leading Denver coach Michael Malone to describe the Serbian as unstoppable.
"Nikola always embraces the physicality. He never shies away from it," Malone said. "Rudy Gobert is going to be a Hall of Fame player one day.
"Rudy Gobert is going to be regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation. It just speaks to how great Nikola is. I don't think anybody in the NBA can guard Nikola one-on-one."
Minnesota now need the Nuggets to slip up in one of their final two games, at the San Antonio Spurs and the Memphis Grizzlies, to allow them back into the race for the top seed.
Guard Anthony Edwards, who put up a team-high 25 points, said: "We knew what this game was going to determine.
"If we won it, we knew we were going to possibly be the number one seed. If we lost it, we knew they'd possibly be the number one seed.
"I think we cared before but now that we lost, we can't do nothing about it."
The first EFL promotion places could be confirmed this Saturday, with Portsmouth, Stockport and Wrexham all looking for the results to rubber-stamp their elevation.
Here, the PA news agency looks at what is required in each division.
Championship
Rotherham are down and nothing else will be decided this weekend at either end of the table, though Southampton will secure a play-off place unless they lose and Coventry and Preston both win.
League One
Portsmouth will be confirmed as a Championship team for next season if they beat third-placed Bolton.
Should Pompey drop points, they can still be promoted on Saturday if they at least match the results of both second-placed Derby and fourth-placed Peterborough, who face Leyton Orient and Oxford respectively.
At the bottom, Carlisle are already relegated and the other three places will remain in contest at least until midweek, though Fleetwood could end Saturday nine points adrift of safety with only nine to play for.
League Two
Stockport need only a point against Morecambe to secure their promotion.
Wrexham could join them with victory over bottom club Forest Green, if MK Dons do not beat Mansfield in the battle of fourth against third – that would also send Stockport up even if they lose. The top three are already secure in the play-offs as a minimum and could be joined by MK Dons.
Relegation issues will not be confirmed, but Forest Green could be left six points adrift with two games remaining.
The Premier League will use semi-automated offside technology before the end of the year.
Clubs unanimously agreed to introduce the technology next season at a meeting of top-flight teams on Thursday, which sources say is expected to cut the average length of a VAR check for offside by 31 seconds.
The Premier League said the intention was to introduce the technology after one of the autumn international breaks – so as early as September or as late as November.
“The technology will provide quicker and consistent placement of the virtual offside line, based on optical player tracking, and will produce high-quality broadcast graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for supporters,” a league statement said.
Football’s global governing body FIFA first used semi-automated offside technology at the 2022 men’s World Cup in Qatar.
Il Etait Temps cruised to success in the Close Brothers Manifesto Novices’ Chase as the Grand National meeting got underway at Aintree.
Willie Mullins’ grey was ridden by Paul Townend and travelled patiently at the rear of the field of five.
He was always in touch, however, and was able to pick off each of his rivals to take up the lead ahead of the last fence and went on to prevail comfortably at 3-1.
Tyson Fury has emphasised facing Anthony Joshua is part of the plan for his next few fights if his fellow Briton “keeps going and keeps winning”.
Since being beaten twice by Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022, former world heavyweight champion Joshua has recorded four victories, most recently a second-round knockout win over ex-UFC fighter Francis Ngannou in Riyadh last month.
WBC title-holder Fury is currently preparing for a May 18 clash at the same venue with Usyk, who has the WBA, IBF and WBO belts, to crown the first undisputed world heavyweight champion of the century.
And on Joshua being part of the equation for what lies beyond that, Fury told the PA news agency: “Yeah, for sure – if he keeps going and keeps winning, like I’m going to keep doing.”
He added: “Either way, me and AJ could still fight at Wembley if we were 50 years old and still make a s**t ton of money. I think that’s facts for sure.”
In February, just after the meeting with Usyk had been rescheduled for May, Fury spoke about five fights he had in mind – two with Usyk, then facing Joshua “maybe twice” before a rematch against Ngannou, who he beat via split decision in October.
Fury said that was “just the start…five fights for you to whet your appetite”.
At a press conference in Morecambe on Wednesday, the talk was of 10 fights, with Turki Alalshikh, a Saudi adviser who has helped put on major boxing events, saying via a phonecall that was played out over a top-table microphone: “We want Tyson for five, seven, 10 fights more.”
And Fury told PA: “Ten-fight plan. Ten fights for over a billion dollars – doesn’t sound bad does it?”
Fury, who said he felt Joshua “did really well” against Ngannou, was knocked down by the mixed martial artist in the third round when they fought in October last year.
Regarding that contest, he said: “Just a fight. I had a good training camp, had a good night.
“I go to a place, do my job, get paid, get out of there, come home and that’s how it’s always been, and I’ve been successful at doing that all my career.”
The clash between Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs) and fellow unbeaten fighter Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs) had originally been scheduled for February 17, but was postponed 15 days prior to that after the former suffered a cut above his right eye in sparring.
Fury at Wednesday’s press conference described himself as being in “fantastic shape” and expressed his confidence he will defeat Usyk, the former undisputed cruiserweight champion who made his heavyweight debut in 2019, stressing that “size really matters”.
The 35-year-old added that it was “my time, my destiny, my era and my generation”.
And when asked if the fight was an opportunity to prove a point to people, he told PA: “I don’t really have to prove much to anybody to be honest. My bank balance alone proves I’m a success, and all the titles I’ve won along the way.
“I’m not really proving anybody wrong or right any more, I’m just doing it for the fun and love of the game really.
“I could have retired maybe 10 years ago and lived a very nice life. However, I do it because, let’s face facts, I don’t really have much else to do other than taking the kids to school, emptying the bins and picking up dog s**t.
“But other than that, boxing is my love. I’ll continue to do it until I can’t do any more.”
Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter wants his team to take the experience of winning in France into their tough Champions Cup meeting with Toulouse on Sunday.
The Chiefs fought back to beat Bath 21-15 last week to book their spot in the quarter-finals but now have the challenge of facing five-time champions Toulouse at the Stade Ernest-Wallon.
Exeter are underdogs heading into the clash but are familiar with the feeling of winning in France, having kicked off their Champions Cup campaign with a thrilling 19-18 victory over Toulon in December.
Baxter knows the size of the task ahead of his team but thinks the result earlier in the season has instilled the belief to do something similar this weekend.
Speaking at a press conference, Baxter said: “The Toulon game was something that created an element of belief of ‘we are doing the right things and heading in the right direction’ amongst the players and you need that.
“I think it gives the players an element of belief that we can do it, go over there and play the big sides, but I also think it gives them a level of looking forward to it because, without doubt when you go and experience the atmosphere, the noise level at the end of the game was incredible for anyone who was there.
“That’s created the excitement and nervous anticipation around the squad this week in training which is exactly what you want to be.”
Exeter responded well to beat Bath on Saturday after they were thrashed 41-5 at the hands of Sale the week before.
Baxter revealed the players had clear-the-air discussions prior to their win last week, but the Chiefs boss now wants his side to back up the result with another good performance.
He added: “As a team the lads have got to do the hardest thing to do in sport and get to a really competitive level for two weeks running.
“At the same time that’s how you win trophies, winning trophies or big games is when you put back-to-back big performances in semi-final to final or last-16 to quarter-final, that’s how things have to happen if you want to win.”
France’s key man Antoine Dupont will be in action for Toulouse and will undoubtedly be highlighted as a key threat for Baxter’s men to deal with.
Baxter said: “If you know the opposition nine is a particular threat in the team, the focus isn’t necessarily on the nine it’s the things that allow him to be a threat.
“Dealing with Dupont will be very difficult if we don’t deal with the other platforms but that goes for any decent player.
“If we can challenge them in that way, that’s how you potentially limit his opportunities. You can create an environment which is harder for him to show it, that’s how we have to approach the game.”
The start of the 88th Masters was delayed by two and a half hours on Thursday due to bad weather at Augusta National.
South Africa’s Erik van Rooyen had been due to hit the opening tee shot at 8am local time (1300BST) but rain was already falling when tournament officials announced at 5am that play would not get under way on time.
Play was initially delayed by at least an hour and, although most of the worst thunderstorms looked to have skirted the area, it was subsequently announced that play would start at 1030 local time (1530GMT).
Honorary starters Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson were scheduled to kick off proceedings by each hitting a tee shot on the first hole 20 minutes earlier.
The delay meant the first round would not be completed on schedule, with the last group of Dustin Johnson, Collin Morikawa and Tommy Fleetwood not teeing off until 1630 local time.
Fleetwood, who had been drawn in the final group in round one for the second successive year, had taken on weather monitoring duties in the absence of long-time caddie Ian Finnis, who is recovering from illness back in England.
“I generally wake up and take the weather for what it is, just go out and play with the conditions we get, but I’ve heard the forecast is pretty bad,” Fleetwood said.
“The conditions are going to play a part in how the golf course plays and what happens there, so we’ll see.”
Pre-tournament favourite Scottie Scheffler will partner Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele in the first two rounds, with the star trio now due to tee off at 1312 local time (1812BST).
Defending champion Jon Rahm gets his attempt to join Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Nick Faldo in winning back-to-back Masters titles under way in the preceding group alongside Matt Fitzpatrick and Nick Dunlap.
Burnley boss Vincent Kompany has been handed a two-match touchline suspension after his red card against Chelsea at the back end of last month.
Kompany was sent off from the dugout during the Clarets’ 2-2 draw at Chelsea on March 30 for his protests against a penalty decision which also led to defender Lorenz Assignon seeing red.
The Football Association confirmed in a statement Kompany must serve a one-game ban straight away with the other suspended until the end of the year, while the Belgian was also handed a £10,000 fine.
“Burnley FC’s Vincent Kompany has been fined £10,000 and suspended from the touchline for two matches following misconduct at their Premier League game against Chelsea FC on Saturday 30 March,” the FA statement said.
“One match is to be served immediately and one match suspended until 31 December 2024. The manager admitted that his language and/or behaviour in the 40th minute of the fixture was improper and/or abusive and/or insulting towards a match official and/or questioned the integrity of a match official.
“An independent regulatory commission imposed his sanctions following a subsequent hearing.”
Relegation-threatened Burnley, who sit second bottom in the Premier League and six points adrift of safety, welcome Brighton to Turf Moor on Saturday, when Kompany will be in the stands.
Kompany, who had 11 seasons as a player for Manchester City, revealed he spoke to referee Darren England after his dismissal at Stamford Bridge to apologise for his choice of words at the time.
But Kompany insisted last week that the standards of refereeing in the top-flight have dropped in this campaign.
“I’m not shying away from it and I’ve said it to the referees themselves, the officials, refereeing hasn’t been good enough this season,” he said.
“I think the addition of VAR and more opinions and more officials doesn’t make it easy for them to do their jobs.
“You make a mistake and we all have a laugh about it and usually the traditional view is that it all evens itself out over the course of a season.
“This year, I haven’t felt like this. Where we are in the league doesn’t really matter for me, it’s not in that conversation.”
Meanwhile Wolves boss Gary O’Neil is facing an FA charge over his behaviour after the match against West Ham on Saturday.
An FA statement said O’Neil’s ‘language and/or behaviour in and around the match officials’ changing rooms was improper and/or threatening.” He has until Monday (April 15) to respond to the charge.
Jack Tudor is keen to repay Christian Williams’ faith after the well-fancied Kitty’s Light snuck into the final line-up for the 2024 Randox Grand National.
Bidding to be the first Welsh-trained winner of the race since 1905, connections faced an anxious wait after Kitty’s Light was one of a trio of National candidates sweating after Monday’s confirmation stage.
Eklat De Rire, Chambard and Kitty’s Light were among a plethora of runners allotted a rating of 146 for the big race but with that trio seeing their official handicap mark dropped to a figure of 145 since the weights were unveiled in February, a random ballot would have been required to determine which two of the three would take their chance in the world’s most famous steeplechase.
However, the Melling Chase-bound Conflated came out of the race as expected on Thursday, meaning no ballot is required and all three will face the starter on Saturday afternoon.
“You hear rumours and different things and we were quite confident, but in the end it ended up being tighter than we thought it might have been,” said Tudor.
“In the end, we’re in and we’re really looking forward to it now and excited for Saturday.”
Kitty’s Light has been a star performer in Tudor’s short career in the saddle, with the 21-year-old aboard the gelding when he won the Eider, Scottish Grand National and Sandown’s season-ending bet365 Gold Cup in succession last year.
Despite being installed as David Pipe’s Pond House number one following the retirement of Tom Scudamore, Tudor has continued to link up with Williams when arrangements allow, with it somewhat fitting the Ogmore-By-Sea handler provides him with the chance to dream of Grand National glory.
“I suppose in racing you get the odd freak and Kitty’s Light is one of them. He’s not really bred to be doing what he’s doing but he’s just a freak,” continued Tudor.
“It’s a great race to be involved in and I can’t thank Christian enough for his support and what he has done for me and putting me in the position where I’m able to ride horses like Kitty’s Light in the biggest races.
“A lot of where I have got to is down to Christian and it’s great to be riding in the race for him.
“First and foremost, we hope the horse gets round safe but if he could run a massive race, then it will be a brilliant day. All of Christian’s family will be there to enjoy it on Saturday and hopefully a dream can come true.”
Conflated was the only absentee from the previous top 34 in the race, meaning 2022 winner Noble Yeats will carry top weight in Saturday’s race, with Gary Moore’s Welsh Grand National winner Nassalam next in, as he provides a first ride in the race for leading conditional Caoilin Quinn.
Defending champion Corach Rambler heads the betting as Lucinda Russell and jockey Derek Fox both seek a third win in the Aintree showpiece and the Cheltenham Gold Cup third bids to join the likes of Red Rum and Tiger Roll as a back-to-back Grand National winner.
Last year’s runner-up Vanillier is one of two in the race for Gavin Cromwell, who will also saddle Cheltenham Festival scorer Limerick Lace, the chosen mount of JP McManus’ retained rider Mark Walsh.
The Irish challenge is boosted by Willie Mullins’ eight contenders, with McManus-owned pair I Am Maximus and Meetingofthewaters both high up in the betting and bringing strong form claims.
Capodanno is another Closutton contender wearing green and gold, with Mr Incredible also among the market leaders for the perennial Irish champion trainer.
Panda Boy has the chance to give Martin Brassil a second victory in the race, while John McConnell will saddle his first National contender in Coral Gold Cup second Mahler Mission.
Delta Work – third in 2022 – is the leading name amongst Gordon Elliott’s eight runners, with Henry de Bromhead’s Gold Cup winner Minella Indo set to be Rachael Blackmore’s mount.
As well as the previously mentioned Eklat De Rire, De Bromhead will also be represented by Ain’t That A Shame, the mount of amateur David Maxwell.
Former French champion jockey James Reveley will return to the Aintree fold aboard James Griffin’s Roi Mage, who was seventh in the race 12 months ago.
Dan Skelton’s game mare Galia Des Liteaux forms part of the small British challenge and is one of those towards the bottom of the weights with strong form on testing ground to her name.
Skelton also oversaw the preparations of Latenightpass on behalf of good friend Tom Ellis this season, with the 11-year-old set to be Ellis’ first runner as a licensed trainer after hastily joining the professional ranks for the chance to saddle his Aintree specialist.
Eldorado Allen (Joe Tizzard) and Mac Tottie (Peter Bowen) are the other British-trained contenders.
The Championship’s promotion race continues to head towards one of the most dramatic finishes in its history after the division’s three leading teams all failed to win their midweek matches.
Leicester are top on goal difference and have a game in hand on second-placed Ipswich, while Leeds sit a point behind in third.
Here, the PA news agency looks at how the race could play out.
Leicester (1st, played 41, 88 points, +42 goal difference)
Run-in: Plymouth (a), West Brom (h), Southampton (h), Preston (a), Blackburn (h).
Leicester looked virtually promoted two months ago and were 17 points ahead of Leeds at the turn of the year.
However, a 3-1 loss at Elland Road in February was damaging – it followed a home defeat to Middlesbrough – and Tuesday night’s setback at relegation battlers Millwall means they have now been beaten in five of their last nine league matches.
Their rivals both dropped points in midweek to leave them in pole position with a precious game in hand, but the Foxes must regroup quickly as they look anxiously over their shoulder.
Ipswich (2nd, P42, 88pts, +32GD)
Run-in: Middlesbrough (h), Hull (a), Coventry (a), Huddersfield (h).
It is easy to forget this is Ipswich’s first season back in the Championship and when they scored a winner in the seventh minute of added time against Southampton at the start of this month, back-to-back promotions felt closer than ever.
But that win was followed by a 1-0 defeat at derby rivals Norwich and after Leicester and Leeds had both dropped points on Tuesday, they missed the chance to climb back into top spot as they were held to a goalless draw at home to Watford.
And their next three fixtures are against sides bidding for a play-off place.
Leeds (3rd, P42, 87pts, +43GD)
Run-in: Blackburn (h), Middlesbrough (a), QPR (a), Southampton (h).
Daniel Farke’s men were unbeaten in the league in 2024 until last weekend when that run was halted at play-off chasing Coventry.
Leeds remain undefeated at home all season, but they were further frustrated on Tuesday in a goalless draw against Sunderland at Elland Road.
In Crysencio Summerville they have the division’s outstanding player with 17 goals and eight assists, but Leeds must quickly rediscover their creative flair after one win in their last four games has allowed fourth-placed Southampton to close the gap on them to nine points with two games in hand.
Hull FC have parted company with head coach Tony Smith following a disastrous start to their new Betfred Super League campaign.
Smith’s side were thumped 56-22 at home by Huddersfield on Saturday, leaving them second from bottom of the table with just one win from their first seven games.
Smith and his assistant Stanley Gene have left their roles by mutual consent, with assistant coach Simon Grix and head of emerging talent Francis Cummins taking charge on an interim basis.
Hull FC chairman Adam Pearson said: “On behalf of everyone associated with Hull FC, I would like to thank Tony and Stan for their contribution to the club during their time with the first team.
“They have worked tirelessly and it is disappointing to have had to come to this decision, but it is one I feel is right at this time. I wish them both well for the future.
“There will be further restructuring of the club in the coming days and we will update further in due course.”
Smith, 57, made a controversial switch from rivals Hull KR at the end of the 2022 campaign but his first season in charge did not go to plan and included an embarrassing 0-40 derby defeat at the MKM Stadium.
The 2024 season has brought further heavy losses, with the single exception of a hard-fought 24-20 win over relegation favourites London Broncos in early March.
Smith, also the vastly-experienced former coach of Huddersfield, Leeds and Warrington, said he was disappointed not to get the chance to try to turn the club’s fortunes around.
“I want to wish the club and all of the players well for the future,” he said.
“It is disappointing not to see the job through, which was always going to be a challenging project, and I was relishing the opportunity to see it through.”
Christian Williams’ anxious wait is over after his well-fancied Kitty’s Light snuck into the final line-up for the 2024 Randox Grand National.
Bidding to be the first Welsh-trained winner of the race since 1905, Kitty’s Light was one of a trio of National candidates left sweating after Monday’s confirmation stage.
Eklat De Rire, Chambard and Kitty’s Light were amongst a plethora of runners allotted a rating of 146 for the big race but with that trio seeing their official handicap mark dropped to a figure of 145 since the weights were unveiled in February, a random ballot would have been required to determine which two of the three would take their chance in the world’s most famous steeplechase.
However, as envisaged earlier in the week, the Melling Chase-bound Conflated came out of the race on Thursday meaning no ballot is required and all three of Eklat De Rire, Chambard and Kitty’s Light will face the starter on Saturday afternoon.
Conflated is the only absentee from the previous top 34, meaning 2022 winner Noble Yeats will carry the burden of top weight, with Gary Moore’s Welsh Grand National winner Nassalam next in, as he provides a first ride in the race for leading conditional Caoilin Quinn.
Defending champion Corach Rambler heads the betting as Lucinda Russell and jockey Derek Fox both seek a third win in the Aintree showpiece and the Cheltenham Gold Cup third bids to join the likes of Red Rum and Tiger Roll as a back-to-back Grand National winner.
Last year’s runner-up Vanillier is one of two in the race for Gavin Cromwell, who will also saddle Cheltenham Festival scorer Limerick Lace, the chosen mount of JP McManus’ retained rider Mark Walsh.
The Irish challenge is boosted by Willie Mullins’ eight contenders, with McManus-owned pair I Am Maximus and Meetingofthewaters both high up in the betting and bringing strong form claims.
Capodanno is another Closutton contender wearing green and gold, with Mr Incredible also among the market leaders for the perennial Irish champion trainer.
Panda Boy has the chance to give Martin Brassil a second victory in the race, while John McConnell will saddle his first-ever National contender in Coral Gold Cup second Mahler Mission.
Delta Work – third in 2022 – is the leading name amongst Gordon Elliott’s eight runners, with Henry de Bromhead’s Gold Cup winner Minella Indo set to be Rachael Blackmore’s mount and adds a touch of class to the contest.
As well as the previously mentioned Eklat De Rire, De Bromhead will also be represented by Ain’t That A Shame, the mount of amateur David Maxwell.
Former French champion jockey James Reveley will return to the Aintree fold aboard James Griffin’s Roi Mage, who was seventh in the race 12 months ago.
Dan Skelton’s game mare Galia Des Liteaux forms part of the small British challenge and is one of those towards the bottom of the weights with strong form on testing ground to her name.
Skelton also oversaw the preparations of Latenightpass on behalf of good friend Tom Ellis this season, with the 11-year-old set to be Ellis’ first ever runner as a licensed trainer after hastily joining the professional ranks for the chance to saddle his Aintree specialist on Saturday afternoon.
Eldorado Allen (Joe Tizzard) and Mac Tottie (Peter Bowen) are the other British-trained contenders.
The first round of the 88th Masters has been delayed by at least an hour due to bad weather at Augusta National.
South Africa’s Erik van Rooyen was due to hit the opening tee shot at 8am local time (1300BST), but rain was already falling when tournament officials announced at 5am that play would not get under way on time.
“We continue to monitor the weather closely,” an official statement read.
“Gate openings and tee times have been delayed until further notice. The first round will not begin before 9 a.m.”
Thunderstorms, heavy rain and winds gusting up to 45mph were all forecast for Thursday.
England’s Tommy Fleetwood has been drawn in the final group in round one for the second successive year, but he will not let the uncertain weather affect his preparations.
“I generally wake up and take the weather for what it is, just go out and play with the conditions we get, but I’ve heard the forecast is pretty bad,” Fleetwood, who is without long-time caddie Ian Finnis this week due to illness, said.
“The conditions are going to play a part in how the golf course plays and what happens there, so we’ll see.”
Cesc Fabregas believes Arsenal could go on to dominate English football in the coming years if they can get over the line in this year’s Premier League title race.
The Gunners currently lead a three-way battle with Liverpool and Manchester City, sitting on top of the table ahead of the Reds on goal difference.
Having fallen away from the title race last season, Mikel Arteta’s side are sticking around and former midfielder Fabregas says the mindset will change by becoming winners this term.
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“Obviously you can imagine what it will mean. More than just winning a title but the belief will be back, the trust between the players and the staff and the fans and the whole club,” the Spaniard, who played over 300 times for the Gunners, told the PA news agency.
“The family that was there when I was there will be back, the moments of ‘we are strong and we know we can win’; at the moment it is a little bit ‘are we ready are we not’?
“If they can manage to win the first one, I believe it could become a constant threat for Arsenal to be challenging for all the top titles.”
Arteta, whose side drew 2-2 with Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final first leg on Tuesday, came under pressure at the start of his tenure as his project took time to come to fruition.
But the Gunners stuck with him and Fabregas, who is now assistant manager at Italian Serie B club Como, says his former club are an example of how to do things properly.
“It is all about Edu and the owners giving him the time and the right tools to prove himself,” he said.
“When this happens, the structure, the vision and the trust comes together and things happen. That is why I am happy.
“I always use them as an example, the first two years of Mikel, in any other club or someone else managing the situation could have just got rid of Mikel and said ‘we are moving to another direction’.
“But they had a clear plan, a clear process, they had the right steps, they invested in young quality players and now you get all the results of these ups and downs of the first two or three years.
“They are there, they have done really well and they are a proper example of how football should be done.”
Fabregas will be donning his boots again as he has signed up to Enterprise’s ‘Rent-A-Player’ campaign, where he will join a lucky five-a-side team in the UK for one night only.
The 2010 World Cup winner knows all about the physicality and passion of English football after long spells at Arsenal and Chelsea, so knows to bring his shin pads.
“For me it will be a great experience, he added. “Talking to people, seeing different views of football. I guess it’s like street football and exchanging stories, thoughts, experiences. It is going to be fantastic.
“I will definitely be taking the shin pads because these games are very competitive, you never know where it might lead.”
:: Entry to Enterprise’s ‘Rent-A-Player’ competition closes on Friday, April 12, with applicants in the UK able to enter via enterpriserent-a-player.com
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