Analysing Eden Hazard’s superb solo display for Chelsea against Arsenal

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With 71% of the TBR Football Man of the Match vote, you chose Eden Hazard as the Man of the Match in the crucial clash between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon as the Belgian was at the heart of the Blues’ impressive victory with a magical solo strike sure to be replayed over and over again.

Hazard’s performance had more to it than one moment of brilliance, though, as he showed with 71 touches, only beaten by Nemanja Matic’s 74 despite playing an extra 10 minutes after the Belgian’s withdrawal by Antonio Conte.

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His goal was remarkable. A run from the halfway line, shrugging off the attention of several Arsenal defenders before weaving in and out of their backline with ease and calmly slotting the ball into the far corner as if he was playing against a group of amateurs. His only shot on target of the day, but you’ll do well to find a better solo finish this season.

That was just one of an impressive ten dribbles made by the Belgian as had Arsenal’s right-hand side on toast on Saturday afternoon. The Gunners had no chance of stopping the drive of Hazard, whose pace and skill left them bewildered time and time again. It may be worth noting that Hector Bellerin may have put up more of a fight than the slower, out of position Gabriel, had he stayed fit, but to suggest that Hazard had it easy would be naive at best.

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With the highest number of interceptions of any of the Blues’ attacking players, it was clear that Hazard’s performance was strong all round. Whilst Pedro and Diego Costa could at times have been accused of being a little slow or reluctant to track back when required, Hazard was on top of the threat of Gabriel when he did make rare ventures forward and supported Marcos Alonso in handling Theo Walcott’s pace.

With a clear lead at the top of the Premier League, it’s clear that Chelsea have a lot to thank Eden Hazard for, and perhaps on Saturday afternoon more than ever. Back to his best form with his quality on display for all to see, he has firmly cemented himself as Antonio Conte’s star man once again.

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