N’Golo Kante was playing for just the sixth time in the Premier League this term (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante ‘looked off’ during Chelsea’s 3-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates, says former Blues goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

The France World Cup winner played the full 90 minutes but could not help the Blues from registering their sixth straight defeat under Frank Lampard.

Kante, 32, has massively struggled with injuries this term and has made just six appearances in the Premier League.

‘Let’s not forget, this was Kante’s sixth start of the season,’ Schwarzer told BBC Radio 5 Live.

‘He looked off in terms of his touch. His passing wasn’t on it. The effort was there, but this wasn’t the Kante we’ve seen over the years.

‘There are big names in the Chelsea team but they have had a dreadful season by Chelsea standards.

‘They are a side really low on confidence. Nobody is putting their neck on the line. Nobody is going out there trying to express themselves.’

Speaking more generally about the match, Schwarzer added: ‘Arsenal thoroughly deserved it.

‘They had more chances, they could have won the game more easily. Kepa was in fine form and Chelsea barely threatened at the other end.

‘For Arsenal it was smooth sailing for most of the match. If you look at Arsenal, Gabriel Jesus is their number nine, his contribution all over is immense.

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‘Arsenal have spread the goals among a number of players and that has been key for them this season.

‘You look at Chelsea and it’s the complete opposite.

‘Arsenal deserve to be where they are, they’ve played very well tonight and over the course of the season.’

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‘This wasn’t the Kante we’ve seen over the years…’