‘Very difficult’ game for Hazard – Sarri

Maurizio Sarri admitted Eden Hazard was below his best for periods of Chelsea’s goalless draw at West Ham.

Hazard and Willian both endured a frustrating afternoon while trying to supply striker Olivier Giroud.

Blues boss Sarri declared after Hazard’s recent hat-trick against Cardiff that the Belgian could score 40 goals if he focused his energy in the final third of the pitch.

Asked if Hazard had appeared to take that advice, Sarri said: “Not in the first half, but better in the second.

“But today it was very difficult. They were cutting out every kind of pass to Giroud.

“Hazard did very well in the last 25 minutes but more on the right than the left. It was very difficult for the striker and the two wingers.”

The draw ended Chelsea’s 100% record under Sarri, who praised West Ham for their spirited performance.

He said: “West Ham are a very good team and I don’t know why they are near the bottom.

“Maybe we could have done better in the last 25 minutes of the first half. Then we played very well in the last 25 minutes. But it is impossible to win every match.”