Eden Hazard (Part 3)

In one of Chelsea's early fixtures of the season, they faced Bayern Munich in the 2013 UEFA Super Cup, where Hazard played a pivotal role in setting up the first goal and scoring the second. Despite his contributions, Chelsea suffered a heartbreaking 5–4 defeat in the penalty shoot-out.In October 2013, Hazard demonstrated his prowess by scoring the decisive goal in a 3–1 away victory against Norwich City in the Premier League. He continued his fine form by bagging two goals and assisting Samuel Eto'o's maiden Chelsea goal in a commanding 4–1 triumph over Cardiff City in the same competition. Hazard notched his fifth goal of the season against Schalke 04 in a convincing 3–0 Champions League group stage win.


During this period, Hazard's exceptional performances earned him a nomination for the prestigious FIFA Ballon d'Or. On 9 November 2013, he played a crucial role in Chelsea's match against West Bromwich Albion, creating the opening goal for Eto'o and salvaging a point with a last-minute penalty. Hazard further showcased his brilliance on 4 December, scoring twice in a thrilling 4–3 away victory over Sunderland. His outstanding display prompted praise from both José Mourinho and Sunderland manager Gus Poyet.


Maintaining his excellent form, Hazard delivered a standout performance in Chelsea's 1–0 away victory over Manchester City on 3 February 2014, leading Mourinho to proclaim him as the best young footballer in the world. He marked a significant milestone by scoring his first Premier League hat-trick against Newcastle United at home on 8 February.On 27 April 2014, Hazard was honored with the PFA Young Player of the Year award and finished as the runner-up to Luis Suárez for the PFA Players' Player of the Year award. Despite Chelsea's Champions League exit against Atlético Madrid, Hazard's contributions were instrumental throughout the season, leading to him being voted as Chelsea's Player of the Year.


Continuing his stellar performances into the 2014–15 season, Hazard played a key role in maintaining Chelsea's unbeaten record in the league. His consistency from the penalty spot earned him recognition as the only player in Europe to have scored all of his 16 penalties. He showcased his versatility by scoring both from the penalty spot and open play in a resounding 6–0 home win over Maribor in the Champions League.On 12 February 2015, Hazard committed his future to Chelsea by signing a new five-and-a-half-year contract. His exceptional form was further highlighted by Mourinho's declaration of him being "one of the top three players in the world". Hazard's remarkable season culminated in him winning the PFA Players' Player of the Year award and playing a pivotal role in Chelsea's Premier League title triumph. He capped off his remarkable season by being voted as Chelsea's Player of the Year for the second consecutive year, joining an elite group of players in the club's history.


Hazard faced a challenging beginning to the 2015–16 season, highlighted by his missed penalty in the Champions League group stage encounter against Maccabi Tel Aviv. The difficulties persisted on 27 October during the League Cup fourth-round clash against Stoke, where Hazard was the sole player to falter in Chelsea's penalty shootout elimination, his effort denied by Jack Butland.Enduring a goal drought spanning 2,358 minutes across 30 matches, Hazard finally found the back of the net on 31 January 2016, converting from the penalty spot for his 50th goal for Chelsea in all competitions during a 5–1 triumph over Milton Keynes Dons in the FA Cup fourth round.


In February, Hazard attracted scrutiny for hinting at a potential move to Paris Saint-Germain, stating that it would "be difficult to say no." Despite the speculation, he broke his league goal drought on 23 April, notching two goals in a commanding 4–1 away victory against AFC Bournemouth. Interim manager Guus Hiddink reassured that Hazard would remain at Chelsea for the following season.Continuing his penchant for decisive goals, Hazard scored the crucial equalizer as Chelsea staged a remarkable comeback from 2–0 down at half-time to draw against Tottenham on 2 May. The outcome sealed Leicester City's title triumph at Tottenham's expense for the Premier League title. On 11 May 2016, Hazard added another goal to his tally against Liverpool, but Chelsea couldn't secure victory as Christian Benteke's strike in extra time led to a 1–1 draw.


Hazard commenced the 2018–19 season in fine form, scoring on his first start against Newcastle United on 26 August 2018, converting a penalty in a 2–1 victory. His impact continued as he came off the bench to secure a 2–1 win over Liverpool in the EFL Cup third round at Anfield on 26 September, marking his sixth goal in seven appearances to start the season. In the subsequent league fixture against Liverpool, Hazard added to his tally with the opening goal in a 1–1 draw at home, making it seven goals in eight games. His stellar performance throughout September, including goals against Bournemouth, Cardiff, and Liverpool, earned him the Premier League Player of the Month award.


On 16 December, Hazard showcased his versatility by scoring and assisting a goal for Pedro as Chelsea secured a 2–1 away victory against Brighton & Hove Albion in the league. Just three days later, he once again made a significant impact off the bench, propelling Chelsea to the EFL Cup semi-final with a crucial contribution against Bournemouth.Hazard's excellence continued as he netted both goals in a 2–1 away win against Watford on 26 December, marking his 100th goal for Chelsea and 150th goal in his club career. On 8 April 2019, he mesmerized with a solo goal against West Ham United, earning him the Premier League Goal of the Month for April.

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