Hazard’s double helps Chelsea rally to beat Newcastle
Chelsea come from a goal down to beat Newcastle 3-1 at Stamford Bridge
Eden Hazard struck twice as Chelsea came from behind to beat Newcastle on Rafael Benitez’s return to Stamford Bridge and maintain their impressive recent form.
Antonio Conte’s reigning champions have now won six of their previous seven Premier League games and this 3-1 victory sees them close within eight points of leaders Manchester City.
Dwight Gayle came into the Newcastle side in place of the misfiring Joselu and he earned a shock lead for the visitors, who have now taken just one point from their last six games.
What they said
Tweet of the match
Michael Ballack certainly enjoyed watching his former club come from a goal down to beat Newcastle 3-1.
Star man – Eden Hazard
The Belgium star could have had a hat-trick but had to settle for two, the second of which came from the spot with a cheeky chip down the middle. Hazard had nine shots, six of which were on target – the most in the Premier League by a player this season.
Ref watch
Kevin Friend had a straightforward game and he got the penalty spot on after Ritchie brought down Moses, which gave Hazard the chance to take the game beyond Newcastle.
Data point
Morata’s goal from Moses’ cross was the ninth headed goal Chelsea have scored in the Premier League this season.
Player ratings
Who’s up next?
Chelsea v Atletico Madrid (Champions League, Tuesday December 5)
Newcastle v Leicester (Premier League, Saturday December 9)
