CARDIFF CAPITULATE AS HOT HAZARD LEADS THE CHELSEA CHARGE
HAVING taken a 16thminute lead through a Sol Bamba volley at Stamford Bridge, Cardiff were dreaming of their first league win of the season.
Eden Hazard, though, had other ideas.
The little Belgian was at his brilliant best, finding the net twice in the final seven minutes of the first half.
Bamba conceded an 80th-minute penalty for a foul on Willian which allowed Hazard to net his hat-trick.
Willian got in on the scoring act just three minutes later, netting Chelsea’s fourth to wrap up a 4-1 victory and send the Blues top of the league.
Hazard said: ‘We are doing good and we are confident, so we will see (about a title challenge).
‘I just want to do my best for this club who have done a lot for me.
‘I’m always trying to do more — create more chances, score more and, today, a hat-trick, so I will try to do this more.’
Unai Emery’s strong start at Arsenal continued with a 2-1 win at Newcastle.
Granit Xhaka smashed a free-kick past Martin Dubravka on 49 minutes to open the scoring.
Nine minutes later, Mesut Ozil poked home to double their lead before Ciaran Clark hit a consolation.
Ryan Fraser helped send Bournemouth to a 4-2 romp of Leicester.
The Scot’s brace put Eddie Howe’s side in command before Josh King made it 3-0 with four minutes of the first half left.
Wes Morgan saw red midway through the second period for the Foxes and Adam Smith made it 4-0.
But late goals from James Maddison’s penalty and Marc Albrighton drew some comfort for the visitors.
Wilfried Zaha struck the only goal of the game as Crystal Palace earned a 1-0 win at Huddersfield.