Chelsea go to the top of the Premier League after Eden Hazard’s hat-trick sees them ease past Newcastle United in 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge.
Jose Mourinho has often been quick to play down his side’s chances of winning the title this season but his ‘little horse’ is definitely in the mix for this campaign and I believe he’s taking the pressure of his players while managing expectations as the competition is undoubtedly tough.
It was another good performance for the Blues, who capitalised on the failures of Arsenal and Manchester City as well as building on their huge result at the Etihad on Monday night.
Hazard was the star of the show and has recently looked like a man that believes he can match the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi – he’s always had the potential and he’s on his way to realising it.
The start was a little slow and Chelsea were a little guilty of giving chances to Newcastle but fortunately the Magpies did not finish any of them and perhaps the home side were missing the commanding presence of John Terry in the centre of defence, but in general it was a good performance and the majority of the team played well.
Branislav Ivanovic is having a good week after scoring the winner against City on Monday and managed to find Hazard with a cross for the first goal and the Serbian was solid throughout.
Chelsea’s second was a thing of beauty as David Luiz’s perfect pass to Willian set a counter-attack in motion. The Brazilian winger – who seems to be the perfect foil for Hazard – found the 23-year-old before he played a one-two with Samuel Eto’o and his flick was fired home by Hazard.
The Belgian super star was in fine form throughout and capped off the perfect day when he earned the match ball by sticking away a penalty, giving Chelsea’s usual penalty taker Frank Lampard an acknowledging wink before doing so. Hazard has already bettered his goal tally from last season and is only going to get better, so the rest of the Premier League best beware.
