Hazard stars as Chelsea return to winning ways
BRIGHTON (United Kingdom): A sublime performance from Eden Hazard solved Chelsea's recent scoring problems in their first victory this year conjuring two goals in a 4-0 win away to Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.
Two goals in the opening six minutes at the Amex Stadium - Hazard's opener followed by a Willian strike -- put the Blues in control, with Hazard adding the London side's third goal in the 77th minute before Victor Moses wrapped up the win two minutes from time.
This success moved Antonio Conte's reigning Premier League champions above Liverpool and into third place, 48 hours before the Reds travel to Swansea.
The margin of victory was tough on Brighton who were unable to improve on a run that has now brought the Seagulls just one win in 13 games.
Conte's hand had been forced by the midweek dismissals of Alavaro Morata and Pedro in the FA Cup replay with Norwich City -- Chelsea eventually progressed into the fourth round after a penalty shoot-out -- which meant both players were suspended for the trip to the south coast.
As a result, Chelsea coach Conte had little option but to start with a front three led by Michy Batshuayi flanked by Hazard and Willian.
Brighton's starting line-up was much more of a surprise with manager Chris Hughton unexpectedly opting for a back three while omitting club captain Bruno Saltor and last season's Championship player of the year, Anthony Knockaert.
But if Hughton's intention were to bolster Brighton's defence, his plans backfired disastrously in the opening six minutes when Chelsea, who have struggled in front of goal in recent weeks, twice carved open a reconfigured backline. - AFP