Cesc Fàbregas quickly adorned himself to the Chelsea faithful by racking up assist after assist early in the season. In the first 4 games of the Premier League season, Fàbregas had already dazzled the fans by amassing an outstanding 6 assists. By the end of matchweek 12, Fàbregas was halfway to the Premier League record of 20 assists set by former Arsenal teammate, Thierry Henry.
With 26 matches still to go and 10 assists to his name, it looked like Fàbregas was well on his way to shattering Henry's mark of 20 assists that has stood the test of time for over a decade now.
One of those assists came against his former team as Chelsea disposed of Arsenal 2-0 at Stamford Bridge. However, fatigue and injury slowed the Spaniard down a little. Since notching his 10th assist on November, 22nd against West Brom, he has managed a total of just 8 assists.
Sitting with 18 assists, just two shy from tying Henry's record, it's unknown if Fàbregas will even be given the opportunity to cement his name in the record books. Two matches remain in the season, the title is already wrapped up, and José Mourinho has promised to play more youngsters in the final two games of the season. This could very well result in Fàbregas being rested for the final two matches, which will prevent him from writing history.
The closest anyone has gotten to Henry's mark of 20 assists was none other than Chelsea legend, Frank Lampard, who racked up 18 assists in 2004/2005. Fàbregas himself came close to the record in 2007/2008 while with Arsenal, finishing three assists shy with 17.
Fàbregas has admitted he "values assists as much as a striker values goals" but he wasn't going to obsess over breaking his former teammates assist record.
However, if Mourinho decides to rest him for the final two matches, Fàbregas will inevitably be annoyed. Especially with the final two matches being against West Brom and Sunderland, two teams who have conceded a combined 97 goals this season.
Perhaps Mourinho will allow his assist leader to have a crack at becoming the new Premier League assist King; after all, Fàbregas has proven he doesn't necessarily need all 90 minutes to create goals.
He can always be subbed off early after he weaves his magic for the first 60-or-so minutes of the match.
Don't stop watching Chelsea just because they have already wrapped up the title. History was made on Sunday against Liverpool when John Terry became the highest scoring defender in Premier League history. We could be treated to another piece of history in the final two matches should Cesc Fàbregas manage at least two more assists.
Keep the blue flag flying high and keep your eyes peeled on the men in blue as the season comes to a close.
