The Villa chase was 08/09. 09/10 was a better year and we were challenging on a few fronts. Including the league up until a spectacular March meltdown where we typically get dumped out of every competition.

In any case it doesn't make much sense. Cesc, alone, was never a reason we were challenging for a title or other trophies. It wasn't a Van Persie in 11/12 type effort where he was carrying the team. Most seasons he wasn't even as good as Cazorla is now. In 09/10 he started taking players on through power and scoring more goals. But hardly matters - if we were offered another Cazorla level player now, you'd have to say yes. He wants to stay there anyway: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...=feeds-newsxml