Eden Hazard’s Chelsea Renaissance Is Only Good News for Antonio Conte

The Eden Hazard renaissance continues at Chelsea.

We saw the Belgian in sublime form against Liverpool on Wednesday, capping it off with an excellent goal that should have won the game for the Blues. Instead, an Asmir Begovic error at the death saw Liverpool draw level through Christian Benteke as the game finished 1-1.

That shouldn’t take the gloss of what was a fine display from Hazard. At times, this was an impressive performance from Chelsea collectively, too.

It hasn’t always been like this, of course. The Stamford Bridge club have struggled plenty this season, with Hazard proving the biggest casualty/villain (delete depending on preference) in what has been a forgettable campaign. Chelsea fans have been counting the days for it to be over so the reset button can be hit and the club rebuild.

Should he look at results and the club’s league position, incoming boss Antonio Conte will see the need for a dramatic improvement next term. He’d be forgiven for questioning why he’s agreed to take the job at all.

Chelsea have conceded 52 times in the Premier League this season, which is their worst defensive record in 19 years. Not since the 1996/97 campaign have the Blues been so charitable at the back.

The difference between then and now is that Chelsea weren’t expected to achieve anything like they are in the Roman Abramovich era. The team of the late 1990s was one packed full of talent, but the club was in a different position to what it is now.

In the 21st century, Chelsea are part of the elite and mid-table finishes are not going to cut it. Not even for Jose Mourinho—the club’s most successful manager—who lost his job seven months after winning a third Premier League title with Chelsea.

If a man with his level of credit along the King’s Road can’t survive a bad season, then there’s …

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