The Spaniard has struggled for playing time so far this season, but scored twice in Chelsea’s dramatic 4-2 win over Leicester City in the EFL Cup on Tuesday night.
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The Blues took full advantage of their extra man as Costa and Eden Hazard combined beautifully to set up Fabregas to give Chelsea the lead in the second minute of extra time.
But a gritty display from the Spain midfielder – ahead of Saturday’s visit to former club Arsenal – impressed Conte although he offered no assurances he would start at the Emirates.
“From midway through the first half and especially in the second half you saw what we want to do and the way we want to play”. I don’t care what the surname is.
“I am pleased for him because he showed me in this period a great attitude in training and when I’ve called on him to come on during games”.
“All the players in my squad have the possibility to play against Arsenal”.
“Cesc is an intelligent player, a clever player and he sees the game, he feels the situation”, Conte said.
Chelsea’s Gary Cahill scores their first goal.
Cesar Azpilicueta equalised with a long-range effort before Foxes defender Marcin Wasilewski was sent off.
Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri, centre right, speaks to his players before extra time.
The opening goal did arrive in the 17th minute, but it was Leicester who got it through Okazaki. We started very well and we were in control of the match.
From that moment there only looked like being one victor and Fabregas’s clinical finishes secured Chelsea’s spot in the fourth round as well as giving the Spain worldwide a boost after a hard start to the season.
The match took place following conflicting reports of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich’s displeasure regarding last Friday’s 2-1 loss to Liverpool, meaning Conte’s men turned in a timely showing of character and class.
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“In extra time I said stay together and close the space, but Fabregas scored and it was very hard for us”.
