Eden Hazard masterminds Chelsea win at Brighton

Eden Hazard returned to his majestic best with a brace as Chelsea beat Brighton 4-0 for their first Premier League win in 2018.

In a week where the Blues have been linked with a string of tall strikers, they exploded out of the blocks to score two early goals in the absence of the suspended Alvaro Morata. Hazard scored the opener with a clinical strike which flew past Seagulls keeper Matt Ryan before Willian netted the second after some lovely interplay from the Belgian and Michy Batshuayi.

The home side to their credit responded well, creating a number of good chances and should have been awarded a penalty when Willy Caballero, in for the injured Thibaut Courtois, tripped Ezequiel Schelotto in the box.

Chris Hughton’s side created further good opportunities in the second period and hit the woodwork but they were undone by another fine Chelsea move finished off by Hazard. And the visitors sealed the rout late on through Victor Moses’ first goal in 14 months for a victory which sees Antonio Conte’s side go third while Brighton remain in 16th spot.

Did Michy Batshuayi convince as the main striker? The Belgian did well at times in his audition. His linkup play was impressive and he carved out a few good chances but he looks more at home as a second striker. He will be disappointed he did not get on the scoresheet as the Blues have been linked with moves for Fernando Llorente, Andy Carroll and Peter Crouch.

Eden Hazard (Chelsea): He has had a slump in form over the past month but the Belgian was back to his best today. In the absence of Pedro and Cesc Fabregas, Hazard was the main attacking threat with his trickery and pace. He showed he was in the mood early on with a well-taken opening goal which he bettered with a solo effort in the second half.

Brighton: Ryan 7, Schelotto 8, Duffy 5, Goldson 5, Dunk 5, Suttner 6, Propper 6, Stephens 5, March 6, Gross 6, Hemed 5. Subs: Kayal 5, Murray 5, Izquierdo n/a.

Chelsea: Caballero 7, Azpilicueta 5, Christensen 6, Rudiger 6, Moses 7, Bakayoko 4, Kante 5, Alonso 5, Willian 8, Batshuayi 6, Hazard 9. Subs: Luiz 6, Zappacosta n/a, Musonda n/a

3’ - GOAL FOR CHELSEA! Hazard pounces on a ricochet to hammer the ball into the corner from around 12 yards out after cutting inside.

6’ - GOAL FOR CHELSEA! A lovely move on the edge of the box involving Willian, Hazard and Batshuayi ends with the Brazilian firing the ball in from just inside the box.

16’ –WHERE IS VAR WHEN YOU NEED IT? Caballero comes off his line to punch clear a cross before appearing to trip Schletto in the box. No penalty is awarded, replays showed that was the wrong call.

30’ -GREAT SAVE! A pinpoint cross is floated in from the right and an unmarked Hemed's header is brilliantly kept out by a diving Caballero, that looked a certain goal.

50’ -WOODWORK! Propper's header at the near post hits the crossbar, that was very unlucky. Christensen was still off the field in that move.

58’ - CLOSE! Duffy is booked for a crunching challenge on Hazard. The Blues have a free-kick in a central position 30 yards out, Willian's effort hits the post after a fine stop from Ryan!

58’ –INJURY: Christensen goes off for Luiz after feeling the effects of a clash of heads with Duffy.

77’ -GOAL FOR CHELSEA! Hazard with a cool low finish after running onto Willian's through ball and dribbling past two defenders.

89’ -GOAL FOR CHELSEA! Musonda's lovely lofted ball into the area for Moses who controls the ball well to slot the ball past the keeper from close range.