Hazard pounces to keep Chelsea in hunt

THE first Premier League goal of the season from Eden Hazard saw Chelsea squeeze past Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.

The Belgium playmaker’s smart strike ensured Chelsea just about kept in touch with the league’s pacesetters, though the champions still trail leaders Manchester City by nine points.

Hazard rescued his side after a host of missed chances and an incorrectly disallowed goal for Alvaro Morata, with Cesar Azpilicueta ruled offside in error.

Asmir Begovic was caught out by Hazard’s near-post drive, that punished Simon Francis’ weak clearance.

Bournemouth compounded their worst start to a Premier League campaign and lost Jermain Defoe, Junior Stanislas and Benik Afobe to injury on a stark day for boss Eddie Howe.

Callum Wilson made his first appearance since January after successive knee surgeries, but this was a day light on plus points for the Cherries.

Josh King’s absence with a back problem could now leave Wilson as Bournemouth’s only fit striker — and the former Coventry man is not yet at full fitness.

Chelsea wasted a hatful of first-half chances, but had the officials to thank for going in goalless.

Morata tucked away the rebound after Azpilicueta blasted straight against Begovic, but the assistant incorrectly judged the Spanish defender offside.

The hosts started the second half brightly, but were floored by Hazard’s crisp strike. Francis bungled a clearance to gift Hazard the opening, and Begovic should not have been beaten at the near post.

Jordon Ibe nearly equalised with a half volley from 16 yards, but Antonio Rudiger produced a fine block to deflect the ball away.

Hazard was thrilled to make the difference and after scoring his fifth goal in four games against Bournemouth, said: ‘I like to play against them.

‘I try to play every game like this.

‘I scored the goal, we won the game so I’m just happy tonight.’