Photo: Ashley Western – CameraSport/CameraSport via Getty Images

For Eden Hazard, it was more of a rugby game than a football match. It was clear that Jose Mourinho’s instructions to his players was to mark Eden Hazard out of the game, and kicking him was a major objective.

Hazard was kicked so many times in the game, and it led to the sending off of Ander Herrera.

Antonio Conte has praised the Belgian for his mental strength despite the kicks he suffered in the game. Hazard never lost his cool, and he still kept dribbling and opening up spaces.

Conte said: “He showed great character, strong character. After the first 25 minutes every player came short to receive the ball because they had fear of receiving a kick from behind. Eden showed great character, I know this. Some people may be surprised but I’m learning to know him very well this season and he’s shown me this.”