Eden Hazard Dazzles Against Bournemouth

Chelsea took another giant stride toward the Premier League title on Saturday, beating Bournemouth 3-1 at Dean Court. After an edgy start, the champions-elect scored twice in quick succession. Adam Smith’s 17th-minute own goal was swiftly followed by a masterful piece of finishing by man-of-the-match Eden Hazard.

Josh King gave the home team hope, scoring just before the break, but Marcos Alonso restored Chelsea’s two-goal advantage midway through the second half with a deft free kick. From that point on there was only going to be one outcome.

Positives

The return of Victor Moses to his now familiar right-wing-back role restored equilibrium to manager Antonio Conte’s 3-4-3 template. Chelsea looked far more efficient as a unit with the 26-year-old back in the side. Hazard once again displayed the type of mercurial trickery that unpicks defences and wins games. The Belgium international is striking a rich seam of form, and it could not have come at a better time for the Blues.

Negatives

Diego Costa flattered to deceive once more as his goal drought continued. Yes, he played a significant part in two of Chelsea’s goals, but he is not the player he was in the first half of the campaign. From a defensive perspective, Conte will have been alarmed at the way Chelsea were carved open on the right side by three smart passes, leading to King’s goal.

Manager rating out of 10

8 — With Moses fit again, Conte opted to return to the starting XI that catapulted Chelsea to the top of the league late last year. His decision was vindicated by the result here. Once again, the manager made use of all three substitutions available to him to ensure that the Blues had the energy to stay ahead to the end of the game.

GK Thibaut Courtois, 7 — Pulled off an outstanding early save when David Luiz shanked an attempted clearance toward his own goal, but could do nothing about King’s shot, which deflected off Luiz just before the break.

DF Cesar Azpilicueta, 7 — Was more mobile than his fellow centre-backs and offered an impressive degree of security as Bournemouth probed forward at every given opportunity. Played the ball well out of defence and benefitted from being flanked by Moses once more.

DF David Luiz, 6 — Was uncharacteristically nervy at the start and followed it up by playing an unfortunate part in King’s goal, but was generally on point to deal with Bournemouth’s attacking play.

DF Gary Cahill, 7 — Was challenged in the channels by Benik Afobe and King, but did a good job of keeping tight on Bournemouth’s forward line. Made an important block late on to prevent a Cherries goal that might have made for a nervous finale.

MF Victor Moses, 8 — Underlined his importance to Chelsea with a compelling performance at right-wing-back. Was opportunistic in attack and delivered the cross into Costa that brought the Blues’ first goal. Always a threat. Might have scored late on, but was denied by a fine save from Bournemouth keeper Artur Boruc.

MF Marcos Alonso, 8 — Struggled defensively on occasion to contain Ryan Fraser but made his mark going forward, supplying plenty of ammunition for Costa. Stepped up to take a free kick won by the Chelsea striker and curled the ball with wonderful precision over the wall and into the net.

MF Nemanja Matic, 7 — Was efficient, effective and determined in the tackle, but lacked the vision and creativity that Cesc Fabregas brings to the side.

MF N’Golo Kante, 8 — Played with energetic skill and vision. Picked out Hazard with a superb ball that caught out the Bournemouth defence and resulted in Chelsea’s second goal. A needless foul on King brought another yellow card, now eight for the campaign, indicating the France international could be on course for a suspension, which wouldn’t help the Blues’ cause at the business end of the season.

FW Pedro, 7 — Had a decent game. Used his pace to good effect and linked up well with Moses and Hazard.

FW Eden Hazard, 9 — Played at the top of his game with marauding runs that terrified Bournemouth’s back line. Took his goal superbly, latching onto Kante’s pass and showing deft control to tease Boruc before sliding the ball into the net.

FW Diego Costa, 6 — Had a ridiculously fortunate assist for Smith’s own goal, which gave Chelsea the lead and summed up another frustrating performance from the player. Had no problem finding the right positions and drew the foul that brought Alonso’s free-kick strike, but was constantly let down by a poor final touch.

Substitutes

MF Cesc Fabregas, N/R — Replaced Hazard for the final 10 minutes of the game and provided added dynamism to Chelsea’s midfield to help close out the victory.

MF Willian, N/R — Replaced Pedro late on and revitalised the Blues attack.

DF Kurt Zouma, N/R — Replaced Moses in injury time.