Hap-Hazard – how Chelsea’s star man struggled against Arsenal

---

Arsenal beat Chelsea 2-0 in Saturday’s Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium to enliven the race for Champions League qualification.

It was a miserable afternoon for Chelsea and some of boss Maurizio Sarri’s decisions – including the deployment of Eden Hazard up front – continue to caused raised eyebrows.

With their talisman in a role he’s not overly keen on, they again looked disjointed and low on ideas.

False promise

Hazard was named as Chelsea’s ‘false nine’ by Sarri for a sixth time in eight Premier League games. The system was a success in the December 8 win over Manchester City – the first time it was deployed this season – but since it has been unconvincing. It could be interpreted as a message to Chelsea director and transfers chief Marina Granovskaia, unusually name checked in Sarri’s pre-match media conference, to hurry up and complete the speculated deal for Gonzalo Higuain.

Hap-Hazard

Again, Chelsea’s strike forced was blunt and Hazard’s brilliance nullified by the position he has been asked to play. The Belgium forward, who is out of contract in June 2020 and has spoken of his daily quandary over whether to seek a “dream move” to Real Madrid or commit to Chelsea, dropped deep in search of the ball. One such moment saw him tackled by Aaron Ramsey, who struck a shot which was saved. Olivier Giroud came on with 22 minutes to go, allowing Hazard to return to his favoured left wing position.

Fluid force

Sarri had lauded Arsenal’s attack pre-match and his fears were realised. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette’s pace and persistence created uncertainty in the Chelsea defence. Aubameyang was not put off by his failure to turn in Lacazette’s cross after four minutes. He almost capitalised on a Cesar Azpilicueta slip and acrobatically turned a Sead Kolasinac cross wide. Lacazette, meanwhile, turned and drilled in a brilliant opening goal. Whereas Chelsea laboured, their opponents had no such problems.

Tactical tinkering?

Chelsea’s only loss in their prior 14 Premier League games against Arsenal was the 3-0 defeat which saw Antonio Conte make dramatic changes, switching to a 3-4-3 formation to prompt a 13-match winning steak which led eventually to the 2016-17 title. Expect Sarri to stick with 4-3-3 no matter what. But a recognised striker is likely to replace Hazard and Sarri will hope the Higuain deal can be wrapped up quickly and the Argentinian can hit the ground running.