Cesc Fabregas pounced on a rare Petr Cech error to score Chelsea’s final goal in the win over Arsenal on Saturday. With all the emotions running through the match and that moment, Fabregas’s reaction showed the utmost respect, professionalism and class.
Chelsea’s derby with Arsenal on Saturday did not need any extra layers of symbolism or emotion. Chelsea settled a range of scores over and above the normal London rivalries. The manner in which they did so left little unsaid as the minutes wound down and Antonio Conte made a double substitution.
The football gods disagreed. In the 85th minutes, Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech muffed an outlet pass. The ball went straight to Fabregas. He controlled it on the bounce and lobbed it into an open net from 25 yards.
After the goal, Fabregas did not smile, did not raise his arms, did not show any emotion at all. Whereas Frank Lampard looked mortified when he scored against Chelsea for Manchester City, Fabregas was a blank. Lampard at least scored a quality, trademark goal. Fabregas scored because Cech made the kind of error that greats like Cech never make.
If it had been any other player in either position, the moment would not have carried so much. A beloved Chelsea legend now playing for a bitter rival spilled the ball to a disdained former Arsenal prodigy and captain.
Chelsea fans are still not accustomed to seeing Cech in the opposition goal. Arsenal fans are far too used to seeing Fabregas in other colours. While Chelsea fans welcome Cech back to Stamford Bridge, Gunners greet their former favourite son with boos.
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Fabregas reacted perfectly given everything wrapped in that moment. Players are often reluctant to celebrate against their former team, or when they capitalize on an obvious and uncharacteristic error. Even so, this game had so much riding on it that few would think less of Fabregas had he reacted to securing the three points.
At least one writer was ludicrously scandalized by Fabregas’ non-reaction. At a time when players face incessant criticism for placing money over loyalty and pundits long for a non-existent past full of one-club men, Fabregas harkened back to a value system that many believe is long gone, if it ever existed at all.
Cesc Fabregas showed the maturity that made him an Arsenal captain at age 21, and the professionalism that has fueled his season coming off the bench for Chelsea. The other players had every right to celebrate his goal on his behalf, and they did.
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Fabregas showed respect for the club that nurtured him and a fellow footballer having a dismal day. Those moments will allow Cesc Fabregas – like Petr Cech – to leave a positive legacy at both clubs.