The Chelsea midfielder believes he is getting sharper and his brain is getting quicker, admitting his performances are better now than they have been in the last year
Cesc Fabregas believes he is nearing a return to his strongest form after helping Chelsea to a 1-0 win over Arsenal on Sunday.
The Spain international has failed to live up to the high standards he set on his return to England at the start of 2014-15, leading to him receiving criticism this season as Chelsea have struggled badly in their title defence.
The ex-Arsenal man was on the right side of the result at Emirates Stadium on Sunday, as Per Mertesacker wa ssent off in the 18th minute before Diego Costa netted the winner five minutes later.
And Fabregas feels his performances are better now than they have been over the last 12 months.
"I'm nearly there, I'm feeling very sharp," Fabregas told Sky Sports. "My brain is much quicker than the last few months, I struggled a bit.
"I don't know why it left, but the sharpness is back. Under pressure I'm much more in control, I'm not shaky, but of course my team-mates make it easier for me.
"But in the last year I'm in the best form right now, yes."
Fabregas' captain John Terry paid tribute to his team's battling qualities as they recorded back-to-back away victories to climb above West Brom into 13th place in the Premier League.
"We're delighted with the win," he said. "They're a very good side. I thought we dealt with it very well.
"Everyone is beating everyone still, it's a tough league this year. If we can put a good run of games together and show the fighting spirit we have done, we're not writing anything off.
"We'll keep fighting in the league until there's no points left to play for."
- Goal