Eden Hazard Shines Against Arsenal

Chelsea made another huge step towards the Premier League title with a 3-1 win over Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

A lively start from both sides saw the hosts open the scoring on 13 minutes through Marcos Alonso after Diego Costa had headed against the bar. Arsenal’s best chance of the first half saw Gabriel unmarked six yards out, the Arsenal defender’s header forcing Thibaut Courtois into a brilliant save.

The best moment of the game came eight minutes after half-time, when Eden Hazard collected the ball on the halfway line. Evading one challenge, he then shrugged off the attentions of Francis Coquelin before beating two more defenders and chipping the ball over Petr Cech. Substitute Cesc Fabregas rubbed salt in the visitors’ wounds when he scored with a well-taken lob after collecting a poor clearance from Cech. Olivier Giroud’s injury-time header could not dampen the Chelsea fans’ celebrations.

The whole match from start to finish was an example of total professionalism from the players and management. The manager’s instructions were followed to the letter to make a dangerous team in Arsenal seem thoroughly ordinary.

The loss of focus and the late concession of a goal was unfortunate but arrived solely out of the knowledge that the game was already won.

Manager rating out of 10

10 — The contrast to the 3-0 defeat at the Emirates in September could not have been more stark. Antonio Conte’s team were impeccably drilled, and the perfectionist in him even raged on the sidelines as his team showboated in the final minutes rather than going for the jugular.

GK Thibaut Courtois, 8 — Started shakily with some risky distribution but more than made up for it with three magnificent saves. Was understandably frustrated to lose his deserved clean sheet in the closing seconds.

DF Cesar Azpilicueta, 9 — A flawless display from the Spaniard, who knew when to step into midfield and when to stand off. Was exceptional when one-on-one with Alexis Sanchez.

DF David Luiz, 9 — An assertive performance from a defender transformed from his first spell at Chelsea. Provided a calming presence and communicated well with his teammates.

DF Gary Cahill, 9 — Barely put a foot wrong and made one immense challenge to prevent a tap-in for Arsenal in the second half.

MF Marcos Alonso, 9 — Showed fantastic anticipation to score the first goal but impressed most with his defensive work, which only saw him in trouble on one occasion when Theo Walcott found some space behind him.

MF Victor Moses, 9 — It was impossible to tell that he wasn’t a natural defender as he kept Alex Iwobi quiet all afternoon. Inspired by Hazard, he went on a mazy second-half run before crossing for Diego Costa, who failed to gather the ball.

MF Nemanja Matic, 9 — Like Luiz, he was both dominant and calm as he efficiently went around negating Arsenal’s midfield. Used the ball well when in space.

MF N’Golo Kante, 10 — The most conspicuous person on the pitch as he popped up during every moment of play. Made countless interceptions and tackles to show Arsene Wenger exactly what his team is missing while also showing intelligence in possession.

FW Eden Hazard, 10 — It will be many years before a better goal is scored at Stamford Bridge. It was a moment of genuine genius but was far from his only contribution, as Arsenal could not contain him.

FW Pedro, 9 — Put in a complete performance as he proved diligent in defence and incisive in attack. Was probably too unselfish on a couple of occasions when he passed instead of going for goal.

FW Diego Costa, 8 — Got frustrated during the latter stages of the second half but had more than played his part already. Led the line with power and technique.

MF Cesc Fabregas, NR — Took his goal with typical class but just as classily chose not to celebrate it in respect to the club where he made his name.

FW, Willian, NR — Showed some lovely touches as Chelsea tried to score a fourth.

DF, Kurt Zouma NR — Went on a rampaging run and almost got on the end of a move that he started.