
Photo: AFP/Getty Images
Just like last weekend against Manchester City, Eden Hazard was deployed in the false nine role as Chelsea beat Brighton 2-1 on Sunday at the Amex Stadium.
Hazard provided two assists in Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City last weekend at Stamford Bridge but wasn’t happy with the way he was starved of possession.
The Belgium international will have less complaints after the victory over Brighton on Sunday as he saw more of the ball, providing the assist for Pedro’s opener before scoring Chelsea’s second.
Hazard’s goal against Brighton ended a run of 8 games without a goal for the Belgian.
According to Opta, Hazard’s goal and assist against Brighton means the 27-year-old has been directly involved in more Premier League goals this season (17 in 16 apps) than he was in the whole of last season (16 in 34 apps) under Antonio Conte.
Hazard had to be replaced by Olivier Giroud after a strong challenge from Brighton’s Stephens in the 83rd minute.
Sarri must have impressed with Hazard’s performance in his role as a false nine after being involved in four goals in two matches playing as a false nine.
Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata missed the game against Brighton due to a knee injury he picked during the Europa League 2-2 draw with Vidi on Thursday.