Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas: Can the Duo Lead Arsenal to Glory?

Arsenal 3-0 Birmingham.

That was the final score at St Andrew's last Saturday, the very same ground in which Birmingham lost only one of their previous 29 fixtures. This was the ground in which Manchester United drew last and this season. This was the ground in which Chelsea lost 1-0.

This was the ground in which a 93rd-minute goal last season started the collapse of Arsenal's title challenge.

Yet last Saturday Arsenal dismantled Birmingham and cruised past them. Arsenal showcased their attacking flair, and after the 90 minutes one was left wondering why most teams struggled at this ground

Pulling the strings was the midfield of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri. Both on their day are more than capable of dismantling any opposition, splitting any defense, scoring goals and creating them.

Last season Fabregas proved why he is one of the world's best midfielders and established himself on the world stage.

Nasri, on the other hand, has always shown that he has the potential to become a great player. During his first two seasons at the Emirates he dazzled at times but lacked the consistency or the killer instinct in the final third to truly establish himself.

But this season, we have witnessed a completely different player. Nasri has been one of the Premier League's best players this season, if not the best, and is one of the world's most improved players this season. The World Cup snub seems to have spurred him on, and he has already notched an extremely impressive 13 goals this season. He seems to have much more belief in his own ability and has scored some real beauties this season.

One reason for his success has been the absence of Fabregas due to injury. 

Nasri enjoys playing in the central midfield role from where he can dictate play. But when Fabregas comes into the starting lineup, he is forced to move into flanks. Both are extremely talented individuals who are just too good to be left on the bench.

Both are different in their style of play. The vision Fabregas offers is second to none. He can pick out a pass when none seemed possible. It's this ability of his that has made him so successful. Nasri, on the other hand, loves to take on defenders and is easily the better dribbler of the two by a mile. Both have their own strengths and weaknesses.

Many felt that one of the reasons hindering Nasri's development was the necessity to switch to the flanks, which was not his preference. This season too he has shown that when given the central midfield role, he can be a huge success and can win matches. So when Fabregas returned from injury, it was natural that Nasri revert back to the flanks.

There were several question marks on whether the two could work together yet perform to their fullest, especially Nasri. If the Birmingham game is anything to go by, the two sure can. The duo against Birmingham were sheer poetry. The last two goals scored by Arsenal were result of some intricate and fine passing by the two supremely talented midfielders. Their link-up play was fabulous, movement was sublime and the two of them knew where exactly the other one was. The build-up play to the last goal especially was an absolute treat.

Although they lacked the same incisiveness against Manchester City on Wednesday, it was evident that the two have a great understanding with each other and can link up exceptionally. 

They will not be so effective and brilliant in all matches, that's for sure, but right now it looks like the two of them can work wonders as a pair, and if they can keep it up Arsenal can go the distance this season. Arsenal have high title aspirations this season, and if they hope to achieve any of them, they will require the duo to orchestrate their attacks and pull the strings of their midfield. It will be interesting to see if the two can continue their exceptional performances for the Gunners.

The next two months will be an important time for the Gunners in their push for the Premier League and in the Champions League as they take on Barcelona. Arsenal will need these two midfield maestros to be at their best and guide Arsenal to glory.

Right now it looks destined that Fabregas will head back to Barcelona one day, but right now it's Arsenal fans who have the pleasure of seeing some fine and magical football from the duo.

This article is also available on my blog Sportsbuzz along with several other articles featuring Arsenal. If possible do give it a look.