Chelsea came back from going a goal down to net three against a hapless Newcastle side, with goals coming from Eden Hazard and Alvaro Morata at Stamford Bridge.
Dwight Gayle opened the scoring in the 12th minute thanks to a defensive error from Marcos Alonso, but the Blues were soon back in it after Eden Hazard brought them back level only 9 minutes later. Alvaro Morata doubled the hosts’ lead in the 33rd minute, before the sides broke for half-time.
Some penalty appeals were turned down over the course of the game, but the Blues eventually got the spot kick they thought was long overdue after Eden Hazard was brought down in the box late in the second half. The Belgian stepped up, and put it away coolly past Karl Darlow to effectively end the game in the 74th minute.
Needless to say, Eden Hazard putting in a stunning shift on the night. The Belgian’s 2 goals take his tally up to 8 goals for the season in all competitions.
Congrats to Hazard on reaching 80 goals and matching Zola’s record for Chelsea. #CHENEW #CFC pic.twitter.com/ihEL1hMk7p
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) December 2, 2017
Look at what Hazard gives Chelsea. Then see what Mhki gives United. It is abundant prosperity vs perpetual poverty.
— Babanla (@biolakazeem) December 2, 2017
Eden Hazard. The best player in the Premier League. He’s absolutely class man.
— Adäm. (@PogbaFIicks) December 2, 2017
Big Shaq knows Hazard is hot ?#CHENEW pic.twitter.com/pL8rHTkF8f
— Ladbrokes (@Ladbrokes) December 2, 2017
Eden Hazard choosing Chelsea over the Manchester clubs legitimately changed my life. I am thankful everyday.
— Jamie Wilkinson (@parkedthebus) December 2, 2017
6 – Eden Hazard has scored more Premier League goals versus Newcastle United than against any other team in the competition (6). Panenka. pic.twitter.com/SFKywkVnzu
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 2, 2017
Eden Hazard was sensational today. Perhaps the most talented player I’ve ever seen play for Chelsea.
— Jamie Wilkinson (@parkedthebus) December 2, 2017
Eden Hazard is the best player in the world after Messi. If you disagree, you’re an idiot.
— Prashmita (@prampsy1905) December 2, 2017
On Antonin Paneka’s birthday Eden Hazard scores a ‘Paneka’ ahhh
— ?? (@FlicksLikeEden) December 2, 2017
Not a coincidence Hazard has reached another level when playing alongside a proper footballer. Diego Costa was an elephant in the form of a human being who couldn’t control a football. Facts.
— J (@LampardLegacy) December 2, 2017
Eden Hazard has flourished in every system he has been played in since he came to Chelsea; from Mou’s ultra conservative 4-3-3 to Conte’s 3-4-3 and 3-5-2.
Eden isn’t a system player.
He is the system. pic.twitter.com/7x4A4bg1ZK— Whiskey Papi (@tawah89) December 2, 2017
Eden Hazard going off for Chelsea. Newcastle looking at him being subbed like… pic.twitter.com/Wt21M2T91n
— UNILAD Football (@UNILADFooty) December 2, 2017
Hazard is mad. Only way he isn’t getting a hat-trick is if Conte subs him off.
— Pogbesque (@PogbesqueV2) December 2, 2017
Danny Drinkwater started ahead of Tiemoue Bakayoko in a midfield three alongside Kante and Fabregas and the fans were mostly pleased at what was a promising display from the Englishman.
Dont let Morata and Hazard goals distract you from the fact that Drinkwater has been dominant in midfield. Very good pressing.
— Nawaz. (@BlueNawaz) December 2, 2017
Can we just take a moment to appreciate how sharp Drinkwater has been today? Absolute baller.
— Mod (@HazardChaos) December 2, 2017
Drinkwater has been excellent.
— – (@ContehoIic) December 2, 2017
Bakayoko really has something to worry about, Drinkwater has been terrific so far, could be a starter.
— Mod (@HazardChaos) December 2, 2017
Alvaro Morata scored yet another headed goal his season to take his tally to 10 for the season in all competitions, and 9 in the Premier League.
Just the 13 goals and assists then for Alvaro Morata in his first 14 Premier League matches (9G, 4A). Decent.
— Jake Cohen (@JakeFCohen) December 2, 2017
Morata scoring when the score is 1-1 instead of when it’s 3-0. If only our striker could too.
— Pogbesque (@PogbesqueV2) December 2, 2017
Great performance today from the Chelsea poster boy Eden Hazard, that penalty is sweet and his overall play today was awesome. Morata chipping away every game effortlessly paying back the investment. Chelsea are coming like a raging bull. Man City beware.
— EDAFE MATT ESEOGHENE (@ELEGBETE1) December 2, 2017
Morata and Lukaku will never be a close comparison. Morata scores when it matters, Lukaku just scores
— 3-5-2 (@TailoredConte) December 2, 2017
Morata: Best offersive header of the ball, I reckon. Kane very good too. Benteke good too.
— reverse_ball (@reverse_ball) December 2, 2017
Alvaro Morata does NOT have the strength and power of Diego Costa.
But Costa does NOT match his tremendous intelligence and superior positioning.
— Sports Obama (@SaddickAdams) December 2, 2017
Alvaro Morata has been a revelation at Chelsea. Scores important goals. What a player! #CHENEW
— Nick’s Armchair View (@nicksarmchair) December 2, 2017