Hazard is helpful

MAURIZIO Sarri likes to play Eden Hazard as Chelsea’s “false nine” for a better balance defensively.

Chelsea’s reliance on Hazard was evident again in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Newcastle.

The 28-year-old Belgian created the decisive goal, scored brilliantly by Willian.

Sarri i s i ncreasingly favouring an attacking focal point of Hazard.

“We are doing very well and one of the reasons is that Eden is in t hat position,” Sarri said.

Hazard last season expressed frustration about being deployed as Chelsea’s “false nine”.

However, Sarri insisted the Belgian liked it after being asked to play there in December.