Football
ESPN staff 6y

Chelsea end Cesar Azpilicueta's run of 74 straight Premier League starts

Cesar Azpilicueta was not in the Chelsea starting XI for the 1-0 victory over Swansea City on Wednesday, breaking a run of 74 straight starts in the Premier League.

The full-back had played every minute of every league game under Antonio Conte, but was only on the bench at Stamford Bridge for the midweek game.

The last time he was on the bench for Chelsea in a Premier League game came on Dec. 5, 2015, against Bournemouth in Jose Mourinho's second-to-last league game in charge.

Azpilicueta's run was the longest active streak by an outfield player, and the second-longest active streak by any Premier League player after Watford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes' 90.

Antonio Rudiger took Azpilicueta's place as Conte made four changes from the side that drew with Liverpool on Saturday, with Pedro, Willian and Cesc Fabregas also coming into the team.

Rudiger scored the 55th-minute winner against Swansea, with Azpilicueta remaining on the bench for the whole game.

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