Maurizio Sarri calls on Eden Hazard to improve as spearhead of Chelsea attack

EPA
Tom Doyle16 December 2018

Maurizio Sarri believes there is room for improvement from Eden Hazard despite the Chelsea talisman's star turn leading the line in Sunday's 2-1 win at Brighton.

The Belgium star was favoured to Olivier Giroud at the tip of Chelsea's attack in the absence of the injured Alvaro Morata on Sunday, and duly delivered for the Blues.

Hazard laid on an assist for Pedro for a personal record fourth consecutive league game, then fired his eighth Premier League goal of an already hugely-fruitful campaign.

The 27-year-old has now had a hand in 17 goals in 16 Premier League appearances for Chelsea this term - last season he only mustered a combined 16 goals and assists, in some 34 turns.

Hazard ended a seven-match league run without a goal, but even amid that barren run he has still been serving them up on a plate for his team-mates.

Getty Images

The assist for Pedro's tap-in even leaves Hazard as Europe's current assist king, with his nine tee-ups topping the charts across the continent's big five leagues.

Sarri has challenged Hazard to hit 40 goals this season, and feels that the Belgian can be an even bigger threat if he is more direct in his attacking play.

Asked about Hazard's role in leading the line, Sarri said: "For us he could be very important in this position. He is able to come deep and play with his team-mates.

"He is able to create spaces. Now in that position he has to improve in attacking the box."

Hazard suffered an injury scare as he limped off to be replaced for Giroud with seven minutes remaining, but Sarri allayed Chelsea fans' fears by confirming that the forward should be back next week.

In Pictures | Brighton vs Chelsea | 16/12/2018

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"Eden is okay," he added. "It’s only a knock.

"I spoke with the doctor and he told me it’s not a big problem. Maybe one or two days to rest."

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