Cesc Fabregas - Written off but gives such an impressive and disciplined performance against Manchester City.

Cesc Fabregas stepped into the Chelsea side to replace Nemanja Matic for his first start in nine weeks and played a huge part in Chelsea's fightback against Manchester City.

I have to be honest here, when the team was announced and Fabregas was named in the starting eleven playing alongside N'Golo Kante in the heart of our Midfield, I was concerned as my Tweet sent out to the #CFC fans across the world would have seen below:

No Matic!!!!! Oh no!! https://t.co/KTLe0KRCdQ

— Chelseadaft.org (@chelseadaft) December 3, 2016

I was concerned with the fact that with Manchester City's attacking threat supported by the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva, we were seriously lacking. Add to that the fact that we can all agree that Cesc Fabregas' defensive qualities leave alot to be desired, it looked like it was going to be a nightmare.

However, I am so pleased to be able to have the opportunity to sit here and hold my hands up and admit that Fabregas was outstanding by doing exactly what the manager asked him to do. Did you know that he ran further in the game than N'Golo Kante which is an amazing feat in itself based on how much ground the Frenchman covers!

Fabregas ran for a total of 12.4 Kilometres, made one assist (to Diego Costa), created two chances in the game (Hazard in addition to Costa in the first half), had 59 touches of the ball, made 50 passes in total with a 90% passing accuracy - Source - Metro.

Plenty of people will have an opinion on Chelsea's first half performance and of the chances created by Manchester City in the second half but in my view, it would be impossible to pinpoint one area of the pitch that was the problem, Chelsea sat ten yards too deep at the back and through midfield and gave City space to hurt us. Fabregas worked his socks off to close the ball down, to get back into his defensive midfield position with little joy in that first forty-five minutes.

Fast forward to what is arguably the pass of the season so far to Diego Costa for Chelsea to get back on level terms and Fabregas gave everyone around the world a reminder of what he is capable of playing almost as a NFL Quarterback, moving into space, seeing his man open and delivering a knock-out blow with pinpoint accuracy. There is still an argument that he could for Chelsea under Conte, play the Andrea Pirlo role as he did for Conte at Juventus.

Diego Costa vs Manchester City (1-1)
Cesc with the assist! pic.twitter.com/MHYED7RytM

— Chelsea Vines (@CheIseaVines) December 3, 2016

Oh boy, i've missed this feeling! Let's keep it up! pic.twitter.com/9YHHUj8ixm

— Cesc Fàbregas Soler (@cesc4official) December 3, 2016

You may not start for a while but my God Cesc, what a fantastic range of passing. The difference my friend! https://t.co/13P0nXsCdf

— Chelseadaft.org (@chelseadaft) December 3, 2016

As you can see, his pass was right on the money and demonstrated the connection that he has with Diego Costa that led us to the Premier League title two seasons ago.

Cesar Azpilicueta spoke of Fabregas after the win over Manchester City and said:

“To have a player like him at the club is really important. We know his qualities — he is a game changer.

The passes he did during the win against Manchester City were amazing. He provided the assist for the goal which got us back into the game — Diego scored a very good goal. Not a lot of players can do that kind of pass.

I have seen him do things like that for years, with Spain as well. The skill that he has is very special. He can see passes before anyone else and is so accurate from such a long distance. Obviously, it is a really difficult thing to do and for others to stop.

Does he want to stay? He shows that in every training session and in the games in which he’s played. There is no doubt about it. When some players are not playing, there is always a bit of speculation. But Cesc has shown really good commitment, great spirit in training and in every game, when he has played and when he hasn’t. I think we will have him [for a long time yet].” Source - London Evening Standard.

Cesar Azpilicueta is right, it has to have been a difficult time for Fabregas so far this season being out of the side initially, then injured but to then have to sit waiting in the wings while you watch the team play as well as they have over these past eight games. If Chelsea are to continue their form and maintain a challenge for the Premier League title they will need to keep hold of their best players.

As we have seen there has been intense speculation surrounding his immediate future here but he has kept quiet, got his head down and trained hard. So much so, the Manager has openly admitted that he has been impressed with his attitude. Not bad for someone who was accused of being right at the centre of the dressing room problems of last season.

Unfortunately for Fabregas, he could face the remainder of the season having to settle for a place on the bench rather than in the first team for the most part based on how things have been since the start of the season. According to Cesar Azpilicueta in the interview above, Fabregas has no intention of leaving Chelsea so you would be better off placing your bets on something like the Grand National 2017 rather than try and work out if he will leave the club and join someone such as Juventus next month.

Cesc Fabregas is world class and it's difficult to try and comprehend how someone of his calibre cannot get into our team (if you ignore the last eight games). To his credit, he has waited patiently for his chance and when given it against Manchester City you can argue that he took it with both hands and that's full credit to him.

What did you think of Fabregas against City and of his involvement for Chelsea in the remainder of the season?