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Cesc Fabregas backs up his words with assertive performance against Swansea

By George Perry

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 25: Cesc Fabregas of Chelsea celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Swansea City at Stamford Bridge on February 25, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 25: Cesc Fabregas of Chelsea celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Swansea City at Stamford Bridge on February 25, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /
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Cesc Fabregas explained his determination to stay at Chelsea and fight for his spot in the starting XI. He then used Swansea City to prove his point to Antonio Conte.

Cesc Fabregas has made the most of his limited time on the pitch to show why he belongs in Chelsea’s starting XI. He started three of Chelsea’s final four games of 2016, scoring one goal and three assists in that run. In 2017, Fabregas started in Chelsea’s three FA Cup games but not in the Premier League until yesterday against Swansea.

Ahead of the game, Fabregas spoke with SkySports about his commitment to fight for his place on the squad. Having been frequently linked with moves away during the summer and first-half of the season, he started off by saying he was “100%” certain to stay at Chelsea.

"I know what I can bring to this team and by improving and listening to the manager and what he wants and doesn’t want, I know myself what I can give. I have been proving myself every time I have had a chance and I will not stop until I play every game which is what I want."

Fabregas ensured that this was not empty talk against the visiting Swans. He controlled the game from the opening whistle. He showed his continuing improvements to his game, moving beyond his reputation as “merely” a creative playmaker.

Fabregas led Chelsea with a goal, an assist and five shots (two on target). His goal and his second shot on target came from late runs into the box, reminiscent of the man Chelsea honoured at half-time, Frank Lampard. On defence, Fabregas had one tackle, one interception and won two of three attempted aerial duels.

"The most important thing is when you have the chance you take it and I think I have done that throughout the season. It’s a challenge to be ready every time the coach needs you and then change his mind and trust you more and make it into the team."

Cesc Fabregas gave Antonio Conte plenty to think about as he strategizes Chelsea’s run to the Premier League title. Against Swansea, Fabregas was equally comfortable and in command alongside N’Golo Kante in a 3-4-3 and sandwiched between Kante and Nemanja Matic in the hybrid formation Chelsea used to see out the game.*

Beyond this season’s lineups and tactics, Fabregas is a compelling role model to the rest of the squad. He is on the short-list to be Chelsea’s next captain. His deeds-over-words this weekend are precisely the reason why. If someone of Cesc Fabregas’s accomplishments and skills understands that he must prove himself for a spot in the lineup, no player can get away with feeling entitled to their own (cf., Solanke, D.).

Next: Chelsea vs. Swansea City player ratings

*On paper it was a 3-5-2. But it looked like a 4-5-1 or even a 5-4-1 at times depending on Victor Moses’ position. Ahh, yes, the chameleon.

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