NO HAZARD, NO PROBLEM
Burnley, Oct. 28: Chelsea proved their Premier League title credentials even without the injured Eden Hazard as goals from Alvaro Morata, Ross Barkley, Willian and Ruben Loftus- Cheek sealed a comfortable 4- 0 victory at struggling Burnley to climb into second, two points behind leaders Liverpool.
Hazard, who was ruled out by a back problem sustained in a 2- 2 draw with Manchester United last weekend, has been Chelsea’s main source of goals in an unbeaten start to the season under Maurizio Sarri.
However, the visitors were stronger than their relegation- threatened hosts in every department and perhaps the only disappointment for Sarri was that they failed to underline their dominance with further goals.
After a sombre start with a minute’s silence to mark a helicopter crash that is feared to have taken the life of Leicester City owner Vic hai Sr iv add han apr ab ha on Saturday, Chelsea soon got to grips with the business at hand.
There should have been more to show for their first- half efforts than just Morata’s 22ndminute opener, expertly guided past an exposed
Joe Hart after the Spaniard was put through by a lovely sliderule pass from midfielder Barkley in a move instigated by the everimpressive N’Golo Kante.
After conceding five goals against his former club Manchester City last time out, Hart excelled with a fine early save from Morata’s deft glancing header, while also denying the Chelsea forward from close range.
When Sarri’s side eventually found a way past the former England goalkeeper, the woodwork came to their rescue as a low curled effort from Willian struck the upright.
Palace halt Arsenal’s winning run Arsenal’s 11- match winning run came to a dramatic end as Luka Milivojevic’s late penalty rescued Crystal Palace in a contentious 2- 2 draw on Sunday.
Unai Emery’s side failed to win a 12th successive match in all competitions as they fell short of the club’s record of 14 victories in a row.
Arsenal fell behind to the first of two Milivojevic penalties just before half- time at Selhurst Park.
Granit Xhaka equalised with a sublime free- kick before PierreEmerick Aubameyang poked in his ninth goal of the season in controversial circumstances.
Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette flicked the ball to Aubameyang with his hand, but officials failed to spot the offence.
Angered by that blow, Palace felt justice was done when Wilfried Zaha won a second penalty with seven minutes left and Milivojevic slotted home again.
Arsenal remain fourth.