Nigeria skipper, John Obi Mikel, proved his versatility – an aspect of his game that has been under utilised, on Saturday, when Chelsea lost 1-0 away to Swansea at the Liberty Stadium.
Mikel, 28, has mostly been used as a defensive midfielder throughout his time at Stamford Bridge but thrived in an unfamiliar role in Wales.
Swansea ended the Blues unbeaten Barclays Premier League run under Guus Hiddink with a single strike – but the result would have been much more disastrous had it not been for the bravery of the Nigerian.
Mikel was yet to test defeat in 15 games since Hiddink’s return to Stamford Bridge in December following the exit of Jose Mourinho – with the 28-year-old featuring in all of those games.
But Gylfi Sigurdsson’s goal on 25 minutes halted that run – ironically the first match since Antonio Conte was confirmed as Mourinho’s permanent successor.
Mikel started the game in his preferred central midfielder role alongside youngster, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Cesc Fabregas.
But the Nigerian was forced to play as a centre back in the second half due to the woeful performance of youngster, Matt Miazga – coupled with the fact that the Blues had no senior defender on the bench.
Miazga started his second consecutive game but was at fault for Sigurdsson’s goal, and the Swans could have netted more off the back of the 20-year-old’s mistakes.
His weak clearing header fell kindly for Sigurdsson, who volleyed home his 11th Premier League goal of the season.
The American was howled off at the interval for Kenedy – with Mikel, a faithful Steward to Hiddink – asked to take-up a role at the back.
Chelsea came close to equalising through Alexandre Pato but his finishing let him down.
Francesco Guidolin, who is among the names linked with the Italy post that will be vacated by Conte following Euro 2016, will also now hope he has done enough to remain at Swansea beyond the end of the season.
His side are almost sure of safety after their recent victory moved them to 40 points – while Chelsea are four points superior.
