By Martin Graham
During the tenure of Eden Hazard a Chelseathe club enjoyed a period of significant success. The team won two Premier League titles and two Europa League trophies with the Belgian star in their line-up. This collection of silverware was further enhanced by wins in the FA Cup and League Cup.
Former captain John Terry had confidently predicted that Hazard would be outstanding for the Blues, and that belief was quickly validated. Hazard quickly established himself as one of the most outstanding talents in the entire league, living up to high expectations from the start.
The Manchester City rivalry
Hazard’s years in England aligned with the conclusion of Manchester United’s period of supremacy. During this era, Chelsea were consistently at the top of the table. On the occasions when the London club did not win the league, it was usual Manchester City who were crowned champions. In fact, the Manchester side secured the title on three separate occasions while the winger was at Stamford Bridge.
This constant competition explains why Hazard identified City as his most difficult opponent. Chelsea finished third twice in seasons where City won the league, including the 2018/19 campaign, which was his last with the club.
Hazard’s personal history against City
Although he started his Chelsea career in a Community Shield game against Manchester City where he failed to score, his overall record against them was impressive. In all competitions, the attacker scored four goals and provided six assists against the Sky Blues.
One of his most memorable moments was in the 2019 EFL Cup Final where he audaciously converted a panenka penalty. Although City won the game, this moment showed just how much confidence he had going into them. His most productive spell against this opposition was in the 2016/17 season, where he was responsible for three of his team’s five goals in their meetings, a season which concluded with Chelsea lifting the Premier League trophy.
