LEEDS, United Kingdom -Arsene Wenger insists there are no problems between Arsenal teammates Cesc Fabregas and Denilson after the Brazilian appeared to criticize the Gunners captain in an interview.

Speaking to Brazilian television, Denilson seemed to question Fabregas's leadership qualities saying: "Fabregas is the captain, but he is not a leader to me".

But Wenger is adamant there is no rift between the pair, which helped Arsenal overcome Leeds 3-1 in an FA Cup third-round replay at Elland Road on Wednesday.

"I don't think that was the spirit of the comments, but the comments were made and maybe there is a bad translation in England," said Wenger. "Or perhaps it is a good translator with a bad spirit.

"They are two very good friends with a lot of respect for each other. I have many leaders in the team. Cesc is the captain and (Robin) van Persie is the vice-captain, but we have shared leadership and there are many captains.

"(Samir) Nasri was captain tonight. Cesc is an outstanding leader, particularly when you consider he is only 22-years-old."

Fabregas also brushed off Denilson's comments to salute his team-mates for a job well done at Elland Road.

Goals by Nasri and Bacary Sagna sent Arsenal into a commanding lead before Bradley Johnson reduced the deficit with a spectacular 30-yard effort.

Substitute van Persie made it 3-1 five minutes after climbing off the bench.

"Everyone loves speculation, but we are here to play football and leadership is what we showed tonight," said Fabregas.

"We were winning balls, playing together and won as a team. We want to do well in all of the competitions and we proved that.

"We didn't know much about Leeds, but they played really well at the Emirates. We were much superior to them tonight, though, and played fantastic."

Arsenal is looking to avoid a sixth successive season without silverware and this victory means Wenger's side remains in the hunt for trophies on four fronts.

Two points adrift of Manchester United in the Premier League table, it is in the semifinals of the League Cup and the last 16 of the Champions League.

It now faces a fourth-round FA Cup home date with League One Huddersfield on Jan 30 after defeating Leeds.

"We were too strong for Leeds," said Wenger. "We were given a warning in the first game and we were learned our lesson, so that shows my players are intelligent.

"The team goes from strength to strength, we have great spirit and the players showed their hunger. Over two games, I have been impressed by Leeds' organization and spirit and the physical quality of their team.

"They have a good chance to come back (to the Premier League)."

Agence France-Presse

(China Daily 01/21/2011 page22)