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This article is part of Football FanCast's In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets...

It was a frustrating day for Chelsea against Liverpool.

The Blues had more shots - 13 to six - and more possession - 55% to 45% - at Stamford Bridge, but they were unable to get anything from the game as they were beaten 2-1.

Frank Lampard has had to deal with a number of injuries already this campaign, and he was once again forced into two changes. Emerson lasted less than 15 minutes before being replaced by Marcos Alonso, while Andreas Christensen also needed to leave the field just before half-time. Kurt Zouma came on in his place.

However, it was one man who had just recovered from a spell on the sidelines who was the Blues' best performer on the day: N'Golo Kante.

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It is hard to think of any more superlatives for the France international, and he once again showed just how important he is to this Chelsea side. As ever, he was the engine in the south-west London outfit's midfield, making his mark both in defence and in attack.

We know all about his impact on the former. His two tackles, bettered only by Fikayo Tomori amongst his teammates, was something we have come to expect from the 28-year-old, while he also led the way with two interceptions.

His attacking threat is a newer quality. Maurizio Sarri did not last long at the club, but he must be given credit for the improvement he has made to Kante going forward. By playing the the diminutive machine in a more advanced role, the World Cup winner scored four goals and provided four assists last season - combined, he has never contributed more.

On Sunday, he displayed that new-found ability once again. The former Caen midfielder scored a beautiful goal, running into space through the middle before curling the ball into the top-right hand corner beyond Adrian from just outside the box. It was the kind of strike Lampard would have been proud of. On top of that, he also completed two dribbles which, along with Willian, led the way for the Blues.

In the end, Kante was not able to prevent his team from succumbing to a defeat.

Without him in the side, though, it is easy to imagine that the gap in the scoreline might have been far bigger. If Chelsea are to get themselves into the top four this campaign, they will need the Frenchman to stay fit and continue turning in performances like this.