Chelsea and Belgium winger Eden Hazard scored a fantastic goal in the Blues 2-1 win over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday night. Some will say it was against a weakened Reds side, but it was the sort of goal that fans pay good money to see.
The moment was not Hazard’s only contribution to Chelsea’s season so far. The diminutive winger has looked close to his best in the early weeks of the season.
Producing an end product in most games
Hazard enjoyed a fine World Cup helping his national team to the third-place finish. He has also started the Premier League campaign in fine form too. In fact, the winger has contributed to goals in five of his six top-flight appearances this season, producing five goals and two assists.
The tally is even more impressive if you consider the fact that he did not start the Blues opening games against Huddersfield and Arsenal.
This sort of return is not alien to Hazard, who is undoubtedly one of the best players in the Premier League. However, the Belgian has proven inconsistent at times during the past few seasons.
Maurizio Sarri arrival has helped Hazard
Last season Hazard did not look like the same player we have seen this season. In truth, last season was a forgettable one for everybody at Chelsea, including now former boss Antonio Conte.
Hazard seems to have a tendency to disappear from games if things are not going his or the team’s way. This must be infuriating for fans and coaches alike because of his brilliant ability.
However, under new boss Maurizio Sarri, Hazard looks to be enjoying his football and seems to be returning to his peak form. The Italian boss’s style of football has helped Hazard to hit his peak form.
Hazard is playing in a similar role to compatriot Dries Mertens when Sarri managed the Belgian at Napoli. The slight change of role led to Mertens suddenly becoming highly prolific and a matchwinner for his side.
While Hazard has always had it in his locker to be a matchwinner, it would be a stretch to say he has ever been prolific in front of goal. Sarri’s arrival could well help Hazard become far more productive in terms of goals and assists for the Blues.
The early signs are that Sarri will bring the best out of Hazard. If he can continue to do so, the Blues can enjoy a highly fruitful campaign.
Chelsea look to be title contenders
It is very early in the Premier League campaign to make snap judgements. However, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea are the top three teams in the Premier League.
That may be a sign of things to come, as all three have shown their quality and resilience so far this season. Chelsea have to be considered serious challengers for the title at odds of 11/1.
The arrival of the charismatic and highly rated Sarri at Stamford Bridge was always going to bring a positive reaction from the Blues players. A record of five wins out of six games is a good start for the Italian boss at Stamford Bridge.
If Chelsea are to mount a realistic challenge for the Premier League title this season, though, the Blues need their star player at his best. If Hazard can continue his early season form, then Sarri’s team certainly have a chance of claiming the title.
Can Eden Hazard return to his best this season?
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