4 things we learned: Liverpool are as good as anyone in the Premier League

Hazard stars as Chelsea dominate Newcastle

Eden Hazard returned to the starting XI after resting against Swansea midweek and immediately asserted himself against a subpar Newcastle midfield and backline, once again looking like one of the top attacking players in the Premier League. Two goals was the official tally for the Belgian, along with nine shots and a very impressive 10 dribbles (the second highest on the Chelsea team was Alvaro Morata, with just four).

When fit, Hazard provides the type of technical skill that can wreak havoc against any defense. Antonio Conte’s Chelsea rely on Hazard to the extent that they have won every game under Conte in which Hazard has scored a goal.

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Another impressive performance from Saturday’s game worth mentioning is Cesar Azipilicueta’s. The Spaniard broke the record for most passes completed in a game by a single player with 120. Azpilicueta has also accumulated an impressive five assists this season, behind only Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Aaron Ramsey and Leroy Sane.

With Manchester City having to rely on last minute goals to beat lesser opponents it may be just a matter of time before the opportunity for Chelsea to make up some distance presents itself. Having Hazard in this type of dominating form will be crucial as Conte’s team looks to make it a three-way title race.