An Edinson Cavani strike in the second half consigned Chelsea FC to a first-leg defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in their round of 16 Champions League tie on Tuesday, and Belgian superstar Eden Hazard was targeted by the Blues’ supporters for his poor display.
A strong finish to the first half from Chelsea, who cancelled out Zlatan Ibrahimović’s deflected opener through John Obi Mikel, did not appear to give the Blues momentum going into the second half, with PSG dominating proceedings after the break and eventually converting a chance through substitute Edinson Cavani.
Eden Hazard had already invited criticism for his courting of the French giants in an interview with Le Parisiens before the clash, and his abject showing in Paris — particularly in the second half — drew the ire of the Chelsea faithful. Fans took to social media to condemn his performance, but reserved praise for left-back Abdul Baba Rahman and Willian.
The Ghanaian was included in the Blues’ starting line-up due to the absence of captain John Terry, with the Englishman not making the trip to France due to a hamstring issue. Baba Rahman was praised for his solid defensive display as well as his crossing, and Diego Costa was guilty of missing a gilt-edged opportunity from the left-back’s cross in the first half.
Here are some of the best Twitter reactions to the game:
Eden Hazard. What’s on your mind.
— ChelsTransfer (@ChelsTransfer) February 16, 2016
Does Hazard think he’s already signed for PSG? Constantly passing to their players tonight. Been #CFC‘s worst player.
— Garry Hayes (@garryhayes) February 16, 2016
No one is gonna miss Hazard when he’s gone
— Kobby (@iKobby_) February 16, 2016
Lately Hazard is performing worse than Munir after half a dozen shots of Tequila.
— Rafael Hernández (@RafaelH117) February 16, 2016
Would rather Kenedy/Traore got minutes than Hazard at the moment.
— ParkedTheBus (@ParkedTheBus) February 16, 2016
Eden Hazard was an embarrassment in the second half. Contrast his performance and effort to that given by Willian and Pedro.
— Gautam Karhadkar (@LoftyCheeks88) February 16, 2016
Oscar on for Hazard. Another below par European performance by the guy.
— Aakash. (@aakash21_cfc) February 16, 2016
Hazard has had a good game for PSG tonight
— Simon Johnson (@sjstandardsport) February 16, 2016
Baba Rahman was a hero, Pedro was pretty good too I thought
— David (@TekkaBooSon) February 16, 2016
Baba Rahman has played two games back-to-back & the improvement was huge. Just goes to show that only games really matter.
— Tweeds (@JoeTweedie) February 16, 2016
Baba Rahman > David Beckham
— Will Dubey (@willd268) February 16, 2016
Wilian’s work rate is unbelievable.
— Шариф (@sharifozman) February 16, 2016
Willian is such a great player. Having the season of his life. Drifts past players like they aren’t there. #cfc
— Sam (@samuelJayC) February 16, 2016
What a player Willian has turned into. One of few bright spots in Chelsea’s season (so far anyway)
— Owen Gibson (@owen_g) February 16, 2016
WILLIAN. Criminally underrated.
— Mourinholic (@Mourinholic) February 16, 2016
