PREMIER LEAGUE JOB DONE, Game-changer Hazard’s pure passion turns Chelsea into The Untouchables
BIG MATCH VERDICT
IT DIDN’T matter that Arsene Wenger was up in the stands among the gloating Chelsea punters.
In fact, he could have been back in North London at The Emirates. Or at home in France.
For with sparkling Eden Hazard in blistering form to inspire a Chelsea team one step closer to being crowned champions, nothing was going to save his Arsenal side from being swept away on a blue tide of controlled brilliance.
Antonio Conte might be the new darling of Stamford Bridge with his touchline antics and infectious passion.
But his job is a whole lot easier when he has gamechangers like Hazard at the sharp end. The Belgian had a Chelsea campaign to forget last season and he wasn’t the only one.
This time he’s unleashing the full range of his sumptuous talents on all-comers and is set to end with his second Premier League winners’ medal in three seasons.
This was the fabulous Belgian star in the zone.
And how. But as much as the focus will be on his s t unning 53rd- minute match-winning dribble from the centre circle, his disdain for Francis Coquelin’s feeble challenge and deadly finish past Petr Cech, there was an illuminating moment minutes before.
The ball was nicked away by an Arsenal defender as Hazard prepared to run in on goal and he punched the air in anger at a missed chance. It’s that desire which is carrying Chelsea to the title – and it stems from Conte as much as anyone.
After Arsenal substitute Gabriel had seen a free header pushed over the bar by Thibaut Courtois at 1-0 to Chelsea, an enraged Conte grabbed his assistant Angelo Alessio by the coat.
Bellowing in his ear the incensed Italian propelled his coach down the touchline to rollick the culprit who allowed the cross.
With that kind of lead from the dugout, no wonder stars like Hazard, the dynamic N’golo Kante, livewire Pedro, Diego Costa and David Luiz are excelling.
And when Hazard finally took leave of his killing field at Stamford Bridge after 83