Return to form for Cesc Fabregas key to Chelsea’s change in Premier League fortunes

Spaniard combines well with Nemanja Matic in midfield again, and that proved critical in the champions getting their mojo back, writes Greg Lea.

The inventive Cesc Fabregas, in blue, was excellent against former club Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with the Spaniard creating many scoring opportunities for his Chelsea teammates. Fellow midfielder Nemanja Matic’s form was also crucial. Dylan Martinez / ReutersShow less

A week, as they say, is a long time in football. Seven days ago, Chelsea slumped to a 3-1 defeat at Everton in the weekend’s early kick-off, sinking ever closer to the bottom three after being comprehensively outplayed at Goodison Park.

Things looked bleak for the champions, particularly when Manchester City grabbed a last-minute winner against Crystal Palace later that day to move 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League table. Chelseawere on the brink of being knocked out of the title race.

The 2-0 win over London rivals Arsenal on Saturday does not put Chelsea back in the hunt quite yet, but Jose Mourinho's side appear to have their mojo back.

There were hints of a revival in midweek against Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Uefa Champions League, the Israelis brushed aside as Oscar, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Baba Rahman impressed in a comfortable 4-0 win.

The encounter with Arsenal was always going to be the bigger test, however. At a sunny Stamford Bridge in front of the television cameras, it was one that Chelsea passed with flying colours.

This game will be remembered largely for Diego Costa’s antics and the red cards shown to Gabriel and Santi Cazorla rather than any brilliant passages of play from either side, but the result was the most important thing for a Chelsea team who had made their worst start to a league campaign in 29 years.

Many of Chelsea’s problems – both attacking and defensive – in the campaign’s first five fixtures could be traced back to the underperforming midfield duo of Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic.

In the first half of last season, the pair seemed to work together perfectly. Matic, the commanding, physical enforcer, broke up play in front of the back four and recycled the ball neatly, while Fabregas provided Chelsea with some much-needed creativity in central areas.

Both players failed to match their pre-Christmas form in the second half of 2014/15, but Chelsea succeeded in grinding out the necessary results as they strolled to a first title in five years.

This season, both Matic and Fabregas have been significantly below par, the former failing to dominate games as he used to and the latter looking blunt with the ball and lethargic without it.

It will be pleasing for Mourinho and Chelsea’s supporters that both men appeared to turn a corner against Arsenal.

Fabregas, in particular, was excellent against his former club, creating numerous scoring opportunities for his teammates with his intelligent and inventive distribution.

The Spaniard combined well with Eden Hazard, Oscar and Pedro in the first half, benefiting from the space he was afforded by an Arsenal side who were content to sit in a compact shape close to their goal before bursting forward on the counter.

Fielded in a relatively deep midfield role, Fabregas had plenty of time to get on the ball and assess his options. The presence of a steadier Matic alongside him allowed Fabregas the freedom to focus on what he does best.

A delightful ball over the top for Pedro in the 33rd minute would have yielded a first assist of the Premier League season had Fabregas’ compatriot done better with the finish. Unperturbed, the midfielder eventually earned that assist early in the second half, Kurt Zouma heading home his free kick to give Chelsea the lead.

It is impossible to discount the impact Gabriel’s first-half sending-off – and Costa remaining on the pitch – after the pair clashed in the first half had on the outcome of this game. It is also difficult to disagree with Mourinho’s post-match assertion that Chelsea were the better team.

It is no coincidence that Fabregas’ individual improvement led to a stronger, more cohesive overall showing. This victory ensures that Chelsea live to fight another day.

Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE