The signs never pointed to Eden Hazard in the build-up to this season. If Chelsea were ever going to enjoy the famed ‘Sarriball’, they needed one of their attackers to stand out in front of goal and after the brilliant start by Pedro, many thought the former Barcelona star would be Maurizio Sarri’s primary goal outlet.
Who would fault the strong believers? After all, Pedro scored three goals in Chelsea’s first four games of the season in the Premier League, adding to his strong displays in pre-season. Huddersfield, Arsenal, and Bournemouth were all put to Pedro’s sword in his early bloom. But somewhere in all the talk about Pedro’s possible rise under Sarri was Hazard, slowly making his own mark and etching his name as the Blues’ hero.
The Belgium superstar only began scoring after three games in the Premier League this season. He has since grabbed seven goals in eight games, with the draw against West Ham, the only game Hazard has not contributed a goal or assist in this season.
Chelsea’s talisman is now the top scorer in the Premier League and after his goal against the Saints on Sunday, he has extended his lead over Sergio Aguero and Harry Kane, both with five goals in the top flight.
The creator-in-chief was expected to take a backseat in goalscoring, even amid the explosive football Sarri promised upon his arrival at Chelsea, but he has rather shown that this is the year he reveals his maturity and steps up as one of the world’s best players.
