Fabregas breaks EPL assist record for Chelsea

Chelsea’s Cesc Fabregas has broken a Premier League record after his assist for the Blues against Middlesbrough.

The Spanish midfielder teed up Nemanja Matic in the second half as Antonio Conte’s side added their third goal in a 3-0 win over the Teesiders at Stamford Bridge.

And in doing so, he reached a mark never before achieved in the English top flight.

Fabregas has now recorded 10 assists in the 2016-17 season, the sixth campaign in which he has managed double figures.

He previously shared the record with Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs, who both set up 10 goals or more in five seasons at Manchester United.

Antonio Conte’s first term at Chelsea appeared to be the end of Cesc, as he struggled to carve out a place in the Italian’s starting line-up at the beginning of the year.

Indeed, this was only his 11th start of the Premier League season but he has found a role for himself as an impact attacking option for Chelsea, effective both when included in the lineup and when he has come off the bench.

He has not looked back since winning Conte’s trust, with Diego Costa also benefiting from his creative play against Boro for Chelsea’s first goal but Fabio’s failed clearance denying the midfielder another assist.

Chelsea are one win away from the title after defeating – and relegating Middlesbrough – on Monday night.