Crystal Palace boss says Cabaye is good enough to play for Arsenal
Alan Pardew has started the mind games ahead of Crystal Palace’s clash with Arsenal this weekend by claiming summer signing Yohan Cabaye is good enough to play for the Gunners.
Arsene Wenger has long been an admirer of the French international and was close to signing him on a number of occasions.
Wenger admitted trying to capture the midfielder when he played for Newcastle and again last year as he failed to establish a regular spot in Paris St-Germain’s starting lineup.
Cabaye at Arsenal’s level
Now Cabaye is reunited with Pardew at Palace and the manager is confident he can make the difference in midfield.
Pardew said: “He’s a fantastic player and we’re honoured to have him. He’s definitely at the level of Arsenal’s players and I don’t think anyone at Arsenal would disagree with that.
“We have a player who can definitely play in their team and that’s a nice feeling for us.
“I go back to three years ago when Yohan wouldn’t play at Manchester City because he thought he was going to Arsenal, so it’s quite ironic that he’s with us here at Crystal Palace.”
However, the Arsenal boss has hit back saying he never tried to sign Cabaye this summer because they already have enough players in that position.
Wenger said: “I always liked the player but he plays in an area where we have a high number of players. They have made a great addition because they have a good strike force and they have a player in Cabaye who can find them from distance.
Wenger’s woes against Pardew
Pardew has enjoyed some famous moments over Arsenal in the last few years and has got the better of Wenger on more than one occasion.
Back in November 2006, Pardew’s West Ham beat Arsenal 1-0 courtesy of a Marlon Harewood strike in the last minute which resulted in an ugly touchline bust-up between the two managers.
The other occasion Wenger will really want to put behind him was back in February 2011 when Arsenal went into half-time with a 4-0 lead over Newcastle at St. James’ Park.
Pardew inspired his Newcastle side to one of the greatest comebacks in Premier League history, as a second-half fightback earned them a 4-4 draw.
Written by Tom Sutton – T0MSUTT0N
