Michy Batshuayi, Cesc Fabregas prove Antonio Conte’s substitution scheme

Antonio Conte used all three substitutes in every Premier League game this season. As Chelsea neared their title, Michy Batshuayi and Cesc Fabregas delivered on Conte’s strategy.

For most of the season Antonio Conte’s substitution policy had a baffling predictability about it. He would rarely bring on a replacement before the 70′. Then he would introduce a new midfielder or a winger. Ten to fifteen minutes later, he would bring on whichever of the two positions he did use as his first substitution. Then, just before stoppage time, he would send a young player as a time-wasting run-out.

Cesc Fabregas, Willian and Michy Batshuayi usually filled those roles. Fabregas would puncture any semblance of rhythm and routine the opposition developed defending against Chelsea. His passes would spread open the defence, exploiting the opponents’ tired legs to send in a Chelsea forward. Willian would similarly inject pace and guile, and bring a bit more coherence to the wing than Pedro provided.

Michy Batshuayi, on the other hand, seemed to be playing for scraps of time. Conte rarely played him for more than 10 minutes. Twelve of his 20 Premier League appearances were under 10 minutes long.

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Cesc Fabregas emerged first as Conte’s super-sub. After spending much of the first half of the season on the bench, he had an outsized impacts coming on late in the game. He came to symbolize Antonio Conte’s ability to instill trust, dedication and motivation even in his rarely-used players.

Michy Batshuayi, though, will leave the lasting impression of Antonio Conte’s masterful substitution strategy. Batshuayi finished the season with four goals in three appearances. The first was the goal that clinched the Premier League title against West Bromwich Albion. The last two were in stoppage time to end the season against Sunderland.

In those three games he played 126 minutes – over half of his total for the season – and averaged one goal every 31.5 minutes. Across the season he scored one goal in every 48 Premier League appearances.

Chelsea scored more goals (35) in the final 30 minutes of matches than any other team in the top four. Those late goals account for 41% of Chelsea’s total output.

Cesc Fabregas and Michy Batshuayi ended the season with five goals each. Those 10 goals came in a combined 1567 minutes. Fabregas also had 12 assists while Batshuayi had one helper. One of Fabregas’ assists came on a Batshuayi goal, meaning that the two are responsible for 22 goals. That is 25% of Chelsea’s offensive output, from two players mostly held in reserve.

Fabregas and Batshuayi each used their limited appearances to make solid cases for their inclusion next season. Fabregas delivered consistently high performances across the second half of the season. Batshuayi rarely had the opportunity to do much of anything, but when he did, he delivered significant and memorable moments.

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Antonio Conte tested both players’ commitment to Chelsea this year. They may not always have been happy with their playing time, but they ensured Conte was happy with them when they had their chances. If there is any justice at Stamford Bridge, both will spend significantly more time on the pitch next season.