Top 5: Premier League Players of the Weekend

2. Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea)

Much was made of the Spanish playmaker’s omission from Antonio Conte’s starting XI for the second game running.

Entering the fray with Chelsea trailing 1-0 at Vicarage Road with just 12 minutes left, Fabregas wasted little time to draw the sides back on level terms as he found Eden Hazard, whose shot was spilled by Heurelho Gomes before fellow substitute Michy Batshuayi prodded home the rebound.

The Spaniard replaced Nemanja Matic after 78 minutes at Vicarage Road – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

The former Arsenal and FC Barcelona midfielder’s dominating performance was confirmed as his delightful 40-yard pass split the defence and found Diego Costa, who raced through to slot under Gomes and send the three points back to Stamford Bridge.

Despite playing less than a quarter off the game, the 29-year-old changed the game with his introduction and won the three points for the Blues, showing in the process how he can still be an integral member of any big club’s squad – whether that will still be with Chelsea is yet to be seen.

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