Hazard scores twice in Chelsea win

Bournemouth 1 Chelsea 4

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Eden Hazard’s first Premier League goals in almost a year and three assists from Cesc Fabregas inspired Chelsea to victory.

Fabregas was in terrific form on the south coast and as early as the fifth minute created an opening goal for compatriot Pedro.

Bournemouth, seeking to do the double over Chelsea after December’s win at Stamford Bridge, forced a couple of saves from Blues keeper Asmir Begovic through Lewis Grabban and Josh King.

But just as the hosts looked the team more likely to score, Chelsea conjured a second goal.

Hazard, back in the team after a six-week absence, collected a back-heeled pass from Fabregas and fired in a low shot from the edge of the box for his first league goal since the Blues clinched the title against Crystal Palace last May.

But Bournemouth immediately cut the lead in half when skipper Tommy Elphick, up from centre-half, guided in a header from a corner.

Begovic had to make a good save from Grabban to prevent an equaliser as Guus Hiddink’s side led at the end of an open first half.

After Junior Stanislas fired wide early in the second half, Chelsea got on top again, scoring the third goal their play merited when Fabregas once more provided the key pass, this time for Willian to chip over the advancing Boruc.

And Hazard was again on target late on as he profited from fine work by Nemanja Matic to add a gloss to a comfortable victory.