Sarri planning to play Hazard as a striker again

Maurizio Sarri plans to deploy Eden Hazard as a striker again in the future.

Hazard operated as a so-called ‘false nine’ on occasions prior to Sarri’s appointment as Blues boss.

And he returned to the role for Saturday’s stunning 2-0 win against champions Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.

Hazard was involved in the build up to both Chelsea goals, scored by N’Golo Kante and David Luiz.

“I think he’s a very good option and we will play it in the future for some matches,” said Sarri, who left Alvaro Morata out of the matchday squad altogether.

Sarri explained: “The reason was clear. We played with Hazard as a striker and so if we had to change something there was (Olivier) Giroud.

“I think that it was useless to have two strikers on the bench and I prefer to have more midfielders.”