Sky Sports pundit warns Chelsea FC will need 27-year-old to win the title

Chelsea FC star Eden Hazard Photo: Nike

Eden Hazard will have to keep firing for Chelsea FC until the end of the Premier League season if the Blues are going to challenge for the title, Matt Le Tissier has claimed.

The Belgium international has made a scintillating start to the current campaign despite a change of management at Chelsea during the off season.

Maurizio Sarri took over the reins from Antonio Conte after his compatriot led the west London side to a disappointing fifth-placed finish last term.

The current Chelsea FC manager has unburdened Hazard of any defensive responsibilities in the Chelsea FC team to allow the Belgian more freedom up front.

Sarri’s tactical move has paid dividends given that the 27-year-old has scored seven goals in eight games in the Premier League in the current campaign.

Hazard is the Premier League’s leading goal-scorer ahead of Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane and Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero.

The Chelsea FC star has produced his best start to the season since Hazard moved to Stamford Bridge from Ligue 1 side Lille in the 2012 summer transfer window.

Former Southampton skipper Le Tissier emphasised the importance of Hazard to Chelsea FC’s ambitions of winning a third Premier League crown in five seasons.

“Chelsea have just sneaked in there,” Le Tissier told Sky Sports.

“The form of Eden Hazard is a big factor in what they’re doing. I watched them play against Southampton at the weekend and it was like men against boys. They were a completely different standard to Southampton.

“They were very impressive, kept the ball well, controlled the game from a possession point of view, and just looked a lot more dangerous.

“They have sneaked under the radar a bit and if Hazard keeps this form up you wouldn’t rule them out being in the chase up until May.”

Hazard scored 14 times in Chelsea FC’s title-winning campaign under Jose Mourinho in the 2014-15 season as the Belgian forward won the PFA player of the year.

The Chelsea FC forward netted 16 goals in Antonio Conte’s debut season in charge to help the Blues finish in first place above Chelsea FC.

BIOGRAPHY: Find out more about Eden Hazard

The west London side will host bitter rivals Manchester United in their next Premier League game at Stamford Bridge on Saturday 20 October after the international break.

Hazard has never finished as the Premier League’s leading goal-scorer in an individual campaign but could be on course to do so if the Chelsea FC no10 can maintain his current form.

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