Sensational Eden Hazard display sees Blues rise to third in Premier League

Eden Hazard added one other very good strike to his sensible assortment as his surprise objective helped Chelsea rise to 3rd within the Premier League with a 2-Zero win over West Ham at Stamford Bridge.

The Belgian confirmed what Chelsea followers might be lacking subsequent yr with a surprising solo opener and a late second in a terrific show which may properly persuade Actual Madrid to pay the reported £100million asking value for him.

The 28-year-old’s present Chelsea deal expires subsequent summer time and Madrid are reported to be closing in on his signature, though not with out matching the Stamford Bridge hierarchy’s valuation.

Hazard moved to 19 objectives in all competitions as he eyes the 20 mark for the primary time at Chelsea. His 16 league objectives depart him prime of the pile for mixed finishes and assists, with 28.

By the point Hazard utilized the end to his gorgeous opener, he had ghosted previous Declan Rice and Mark Noble, and flummoxed Fabian Balbuena, Angelo Ogbonna and Ryan Fredericks.

Watch Eden Hazard’s sensational first goal against West Ham

On the dying, after Chelsea had wasted a succession of possibilities, up popped Hazard once more, drilling dwelling to seal the win.

Hazard’s masterful first strike not solely lit up the match, it additionally saved Chelsea within the hunt for that all-important top-four end.

Maurizio Sarri’s males moved two factors forward of fourth-placed Tottenham and three above Arsenal in fifth, albeit having performed another sport than their Champions League qualification rivals.

From the second Ogbonna was booked for taking out the marauding Hazard simply eight minutes in, West Ham’s rearguard knew they have been in for an evening of wanting over their shoulders.

Blind spots, weaknesses – Hazard sneaked into and scythed by means of all these and extra in one other mesmerising efficiency.

N’Golo Kante drilled over from 20 yards, then flicked inside for Cesar Azpilicueta, only for a heavy touch to deny the captain a shot on goal.

But then, appetisers cleared away, Hazard dished up the sumptuous main course.

Collecting the ball 10 yards inside the West Ham half, he proceeded to elude half of the Hammers’ outfield players before rolling home the finish for a goal to grace any stage.

Chelsea should have quickly had the chance to double their advantage, only to be denied what appeared a clear penalty when Marko Arnautovic barged Hazard off his feet.

Hazard’s magical night time continued, the Belgium star outfoxing three defenders on the flip earlier than whipping throughout a nice far-post ball to Callum Hudson-Odoi.

The England worldwide noticed a rasping shot blocked, whereas the 18-year-old later drew a sensible near-post save from Lukasz Fabianski.

Gonzalo Higuain ought to then have scored on the dying of the half, just for Fredericks to supply a well timed block after the Argentinian’s neat chest management.

West Ham rallied after the break, Kepa Arrizabalaga saving properly from Manuel Lanzini after which Felipe Anderson.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek undercooked a chip when by means of on objective earlier than whipping broad from 20 yards amid the Blues’ riposte.

Aaron Cresswell drilled simply broad after Antonion Rudiger’s tame header in one other West Ham warning.

Ross Barkley couldn’t attain Hudson-Odoi’s teasing cross, however nonetheless the Hammers pressed, Emerson Palmieri’s defensive header thwarting Arnautovic.

Olivier Giroud snatched at an opportunity too, however then Hazard once more confirmed his team-mates easy methods to end, book-ending an evening that had belonged to him from begin to end.