“Absolutely bad decisions” – Eden Hazard slams Chelsea man after poor decision in Newcastle defeat
Eden Hazard produced a virtuoso performance as Chelsea came from a goal down to secure a 3-1 Premier League win over Newcastle.
Hazard, whose Belgium side were drawn in the same World Cup group as England, gave a thrilling display of what Gareth Southgate’s men will face in Russia next summer.
After Dwight Gayle gave Newcastle the lead, Hazard levelled with a bouncing shot into the corner. Alvaro Morata headed Chelsea in front before Hazard scored a ‘Panenka’ penalty to make the result safe.
The goals were perhaps the least impressive part of Hazard’s performance, as his pace, skill and vision gave Newcastle a torrid afternoon, while he took nine shots before being subbed off late on.
The win moves Chelsea level on points with second-placed Manchester United, but still eight points behind Manchester City who have a game in hand.
Chelsea’s champion response: Much has been made of Chelsea’s December schedule – by Antonio Conte in particular – but their first of nine matches ended in a comfortable victory, despite it not going all their own way to begin with. The Blues responded to Gayle’s opener in style, and rarely looked threatened after their equaliser. It’s a month where momentum is key, and Conte couldn’t have asked for a better start.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Eden Hazard – Two goals only starts to tell the story of Hazard’s performance. The Belgian enjoyed the freedom of Stamford Bridge at times and never let the Newcastle defence have a moment’s rest. Not like England fans needed it, but it was a timely reminder of the weapons Hazard possesses. No doubt Kevin De Bruyne will put in a similarly frightful performance against West Ham tomorrow.
PLAYER RATINGS
Chelsea: Courtois 6, Azpilicueta 6, Rudiger 6, Christensen 7, Moses 7, Kante 7, Drinkwater 7, Fabregas 8, Alonso 7, Hazard 8, Morata 8. Subs: Bakayoko 6, Willian 6, Cahill 6
Newcastle: Darlow 6, Mbemba 6, Clark 6, Lejeune 6, Manquillo 5, Murphy 6, Merino 5, Diame 6, Ritchie 6, Perez 5, Gayle 5. Subs: Hayden 6, Shelvey 6, Yedlin N/A
12’ – GOAL! Dwight Gayle gives Newcastle the lead and it’s all come from a horrendous Chelsea mistake. Alonso’s pass back is poor and Courtois comes rushing out to deny Murphy, but the ricochet falls kindly into the path of Gayle, who slides in an easy opener.
21’ – Chelsea are level! And it’s that man Eden Hazard… Moments after Christensen hits the post for Chelsea, it’s Hazard who picks up the loose ball inside the area, and sees his effort dart into the ground before flying into the far corner.
33’ – Chelsea take the lead! And this time it’s Morata! Moses’ cross is drilled into the box and it’s yet another Morata header, with the Spaniard using the pace of the ball to direct it on target.
73’ – Penalty to Chelsea! Ritchie catches Moses and the referee points to the spot…
About The Author
