OUT OF GAS

Cesc Fabregas blames midweek travel to Spain for key loss to Manchester City

Blues six points behind Citizens, but Fabregas insists: 'This time last year it was eight - it means nothing'

CESC FABREGAS reckons Chelsea lost to Manchester City because they were knackered from clocking up the miles.

Boss Antonio Conte moaned in midweek about his side having to play on Saturday night instead of on Sunday.

The Blues landed back in the UK at 5am on Thursday after their European win over Atletico Madrid.

City played Shakhtar Donetsk 24 hours earlier — and at home.

Midfielder Fabregas, 30, said: “We knew it would be a difficult week starting with the trip to Stoke last Saturday and then Madrid.

“We practically had only one day to prepare for the City match, while we faced a team who were well prepared.

“They had played two home games and had an extra day rest.

“We are making no excuses. We gave it everything but they are a great team.

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“They had won their last two games much in the same manner we did, so congratulations to them.”

Chelsea’s 1-0 loss left the champions six points adrift of the two Manchester clubs.

But Fabregas warned: “This time last year we were eight points behind, so it doesn’t mean anything.

“This was the same Chelsea of last season but we were against a City side much better rested. Nothing more.”