Cesc Fabregas Gets Man of the Match Award After Alan Smith Named Eden Hazard

For matches televised on Sky Sports, the co-commentator traditionally names the man of the match near the end of the game. 

In the closing stages of Chelsea's 2-0 win over Arsenal, Alan Smith was clearly heard to pick Eden Hazard as his MOM, only for confused viewers to then see Cesc Fabregas be presented with the award by Geoff Shreeves.

"

Geoff Shreeves tells Cesc Fabregas he's man of the match. Two minutes after Alan Smith nominates Eden Hazard.

— Steve Jefferies (@commutermisery) October 5, 2014"

Fabregas was certainly happy enough to pick up the award; he even posted a picture of himself posing with it later in the evening. 

"

Chilling at home with the family after a hard match. 😉☺️ pic.twitter.com/igMhV7aqLR

— Cesc Fàbregas Soler (@cesc4official) October 5, 2014"

But Sky's flip-flop did cause mass confusion, to such an extent that one bookmaker came out and announced that they were paying out on bets made by people who backed either player to be the man of the match 

"

Due to Hazard being awarded MOTM by Alan Smith & then Fabregas being given the award...we have paid out on both Hazard and Cesc as MOTM #CFC

— BetVictor (@BetVictor) October 5, 2014"

So why was Fabregas given the award ahead of Hazard? Michael Cox of Zonal Marking had a theory.

"

Haha, Alan Smith gives Hazard MOTM. But Sky want an interview with Fabregas, so overrule Smith and give it to Fabregas instead

— Michael Cox (@Zonal_Marking) October 5, 2014"

Whether Fabregas deserved the award or not is debatable, but he has certainly made a huge impact at Chelsea since signing this summer, as one stat doing the rounds of social media illustrates.

"

Have a look at this incredible graphic. Cesc Fabregas' assists vs Arsenal assists this season. #SSNHQ #SuperSunday pic.twitter.com/91iCd2jEbi

— Sky Sports News HQ (@SkySportsNewsHQ) October 5, 2014"

It all makes unpleasant reading for Arsenal fans.

"

Arsenal fans watching that assist from Cesc like.. pic.twitter.com/0oNRuKYAyd

— Football Funnys (@FootballFunnys) October 5, 2014"

[Twitter]