With N'Golo Kanté and Nemanja Matic forming one of the best midfield duos in the Premier League, Spanish maestro Cesc Fabregas has taken a more rotational role with Chelsea this season. Oftentimes brought on only to add more attacking prowess to the team, his primary role yesterday was to solidify the midfield and help Chelsea retain some possession.
Fàbregas was glad to have thus played a part in the 2-0 win against a Hull City side that, despite being 18th place in the Premier League, still gave Chelsea a tough time.
"It was a very tough game, we knew it would be from the beginning. We prepared very well for it and it paid off. In the Premier League there are no easy games but we must be pleased with the result because it was three points we really wanted."
"After this weekend, when there were some unexpected results, we knew it was a must-win to go into two difficult games with the advantage we wanted. In the first half maybe we didn’t play the ball as quickly as we had to, but sometimes you have to win in a way which isn’t the prettiest."
Even though Fàbregas was on the pitch for less than 25 minutes, he still managed to pick up an assist, via the free kick for Chelsea's second goal of the match. It was his sixth assist in the Premier League this season.
"That was nice. I play football to win and enjoy. When I don’t play I’m sad and I don’t enjoy it but I’m happy the team is doing well. Football is my life, it’s everything to me."
"Every time I’m on the pitch I try to do my best. In this game it went well again so I just need to keep going and show the manager I deserve to play."
On Sunday, striker Diego Costa returned to the fold after missing our game against Leicester City due to a back injury. He once again contributed to Chelsea's cause by scoring our first goal in the dying minutes of the first half. Fàbregas was quite pleased with Diego's return as well.
"It was a good goal and he’s always there when we need him. We know what Diego brings to the team, nothing needs to be said about that. We’re pleased he’s back and we need him if we want to achieve our targets."
Before two big Premier League games against Liverpool and Arsenal, Chelsea will play Brentford at home in a local derby for the FA Cup. Fábregas is looking forward to these games, wanting the team to leave their mark on these occasions.
"We have an important game in the FA Cup and after that I’m sure the manager will prepare as best he can knowing Liverpool are one of the best teams in the league by far. We will just play our game. We’ve done well this season so why not go there and make a statement?"
-Cesc Fàbregas; Source: Chelsea FC
Just in case the eight-point lead with 16 games left to play isn’t a big enough statement...