Eden Hazard, Fernando Torres, and company continue to impress as Chelsea FC beat a tough Newcastle United squad at Stamford Bridge today to keep their perfect start to the season going. The champions of Europe have found a way to translate their Champions League success to the Premier League early on in this young season. Chelsea is now 3-0, and in first place with nine out of a possible nine points.
Eden Hazard and Fernando Torres were the goal scorers in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Newcastle. Hazard pushed a penalty shot past Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul in the 22nd minute after Torres was brought down in the penalty area, then brilliantly set up Torres’ strike in the 45th minute. The two goals were more than enough as Chelsea, even without their star center-back John Terry, were able to hold on to a clean sheet. Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech made a great diving save late in the game, denying Newcastle striker Demba Ba.
Perhaps even more spectacular than Chelsea’s perfect start has been the play of Belgian international and new signee Eden Hazard. With all the talk of Robin van Persie’s move to Old Trafford, a possible Kaka move, and the Clint Dempsey saga, Hazard has flown under the radar. The playmaking Belgian has been nothing short of outstanding though so far this season. His creativity and attacking style of play have been at the hub of almost every Chelsea goal. He has already tallied six assists and one goal in the first three games. Many are giving him a bulk of the credit for Torres’ resurgence this season. Torres is finally starting to look the part of a world-class striker again, scoring with regularity. Hazard’s play has also taken much of the burden off of teammate Juan Mata, who served as Chelsea’s only creative influence last season.
With Hazard and Mata’s attacking ability, Torres’ new-found form, a reliable Frank Lampard in the middle, and Cech in goal, Chelsea look like a legitimate title contender. Plus, let’s not forget about Oscar, Chelsea’s young Brazilian new addition, who hasn’t even begun to show his ability. Don’t be surprised if Chelsea, and not Manchester United, is the team battling it out with Manchester City for the title this season.
