The first leg of Chelsea&nbsp;vs Barcelona is scheduled for February 21 at&nbsp;Stamford Bridge, London.

It is supposed to be one of the major clashes of Champions Leauge and fans and supporters of both sides have high expectations for their favourite team.

In a pre-match interview, Eden Hazard said, &quot; We know that it is tough to beat Chelsea. We are in a good position. We play the first game here. So we will give everything here.&quot;

&quot;Of course, Barcelona is one of the best teams in the world but in the past, they were a little bit in trouble against Chelsea and I hope tomorrow is going to be the same because we want to win,&quot; he further added.

On asking him about being compared with Messi and Ronaldo he said, &quot;First it is good to be compared with the greatest ever (like Lionel) Messi, (Cristiano) Ronaldo, but I am different. I am completely different.&quot;

&quot;We play in a different league. I try to do my job. I try to reach that level. You need to play well in big games and tomorrow is a big game. So, let&#39;s go for it and try to give everything,&quot; he added.

Eden Hazard is expected to be recalled to the team after the Belgian international was rested for the 4-0 win over Hull City in the English FA Cup fifth round.

Summer signing Alvaro Morata will be battling it out with Olivier Giroud for the central striker berth. French international Giroud, who arrived in January from Premier League rivals Arsenal, gave his chances a boost with his first goal for the club in the Hull City victory.

&nbsp;

Eden Hazard is expected to be recalled to the team after the Belgian international was rested against Hull City

The first leg of Chelsea vs Barcelona is scheduled for February 21 at Stamford Bridge, London. It is supposed to be one of the major clashes of Champions Leauge and fans and supporters of both sides have high expectations for their favourite team. In a pre-match interview, Eden Hazard said, " We know that it is tough to beat Chelsea. We are in a good position. We play the first game here. So we will give everything here." "Of course, Barcelona is one of the best teams in the world but in the past, they were a little bit in trouble against Chelsea and I hope tomorrow is going to be the same because we want to win," he further added. On asking him about being compared with Messi and Ronaldo he said, "First it is good to be compared with the greatest ever (like Lionel) Messi, (Cristiano) Ronaldo, but I am different. I am completely different." "We play in a different league. I try to do my job. I try to reach that level. You need to play well in big games and tomorrow is a big game. So, let's go for it and try to give everything," he added. Eden Hazard is expected to be recalled to the team after the Belgian international was rested for the 4-0 win over Hull City in the English FA Cup fifth round. Summer signing Alvaro Morata will be battling it out with Olivier Giroud for the central striker berth. French international Giroud, who arrived in January from Premier League rivals Arsenal, gave his chances a boost with his first goal for the club in the Hull City victory.

Good to be compared with Messi: Eden Hazard

Chelsea eased past West Bromwich Albion in a Premier League match on Monday.

Eden Hazard struck twice and Victor Moses scored one goal and inspired the team to much-needed victory.

More than players, the manager, Antonio Conte is relaxed as there were&nbsp;questions raised about his future at the club but this victory has definitely&nbsp;shrugged off some pressure from him.

Recently, he called for public backing from the Stamford Bridge hierarchy to put an end to growing speculation about his future as manager.

The Italian won the Premier League title in 2016-17 in his first year in England but there have been persistent rumours about his job being under threat this season due to the Blues&#39; indifferent form.

&quot;I&#39;m giving all of myself, me and my staff and also my players, for this club,&quot; he said a few days back.

&quot;And then I think that we are doing the maximum for this club and if the club understands this and the club wants to extend a new contract then we can talk, why not?&quot; he further added.

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Full-time: Chelsea 3-0 West Brom! 
 
Three points secured at the Bridge with goals from <a href="https://twitter.com/hazardeden10?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hazardeden10</a> (2) and <a href="https://twitter.com/VictorMoses?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VictorMoses</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHEWBA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHEWBA</a> <a href="https://t.co/aFruAFmBka">pic.twitter.com/aFruAFmBka</a>
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Yesterday, Hazard twisted his way goalwards in the 25th minute before playing a neat one-two with new signing Olivier Giroud who held off defenders to place the ball for the Belgium international to smack it past goalkeeper Ben Foster.

Moses added Chelsea&#39;s second after sprinting down the wing and laying the ball off to Cesc Fabregas, whose flick was deflected back into the Nigerian&#39;s path.

Hazard&#39;s second goal wrapped up the points as Chelsea moved back into the top four. In the 71st minute, he received a pass from substitute Alvaro Morata and jinked past defender Jonny Evans to lift the ball into the net.

Chelsea has 53 points from 27 games, one point ahead of London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and a point behind third-placed Liverpool in the race for Champions League qualifying spots.

A beaming Conte, whose side had lost their previous two Premier League games at home to Bournemouth and at Watford, hurried around the pitch after the whistle, shaking hands.

&nbsp;

Two goals from Belgian wizard Eden Hazard and another by Victor Moses earned Chelsea a 3-0 home win over struggling West Bromwich Albion

Chelsea eased past West Bromwich Albion in a Premier League match on Monday. Eden Hazard struck twice and Victor Moses scored one goal and inspired the team to much-needed victory. More than players, the manager, Antonio Conte is relaxed as there were questions raised about his future at the club but this victory has definitely shrugged off some pressure from him. Recently, he called for public backing from the Stamford Bridge hierarchy to put an end to growing speculation about his future as manager. The Italian won the Premier League title in 2016-17 in his first year in England but there have been persistent rumours about his job being under threat this season due to the Blues' indifferent form. "I'm giving all of myself, me and my staff and also my players, for this club," he said a few days back. "And then I think that we are doing the maximum for this club and if the club understands this and the club wants to extend a new contract then we can talk, why not?" he further added. Full-time: Chelsea 3-0 West Brom! Three points secured at the Bridge with goals from @hazardeden10 (2) and @VictorMoses! #CHEWBA pic.twitter.com/aFruAFmBka — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 12, 2018 × Yesterday, Hazard twisted his way goalwards in the 25th minute before playing a neat one-two with new signing Olivier Giroud who held off defenders to place the ball for the Belgium international to smack it past goalkeeper Ben Foster. Moses added Chelsea's second after sprinting down the wing and laying the ball off to Cesc Fabregas, whose flick was deflected back into the Nigerian's path. Hazard's second goal wrapped up the points as Chelsea moved back into the top four. In the 71st minute, he received a pass from substitute Alvaro Morata and jinked past defender Jonny Evans to lift the ball into the net. Chelsea has 53 points from 27 games, one point ahead of London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and a point behind third-placed Liverpool in the race for Champions League qualifying spots. A beaming Conte, whose side had lost their previous two Premier League games at home to Bournemouth and at Watford, hurried around the pitch after the whistle, shaking hands.

Eden Hazard, Victor Moses provide Chelsea crucial win

Two goals from Eden Hazard helped Chelsea cruise to a 4-0 victory at Brighton &amp; Hove Albion in the Premier League on Saturday for their first league win of 2018.

Chelsea&#39;s midweek penalty shootout success over Norwich City in the FA Cup meant they had drawn their last five games in regulation time in all competitions but Hazard and Willian struck inside six minutes to set them on their way on Saturday.

Brighton tried to get back into the match but were denied by the bar, some fine saves by Willy Caballero -- making his first league start for Chelsea in place of injured Thibaut Courtois -- while having two penalty appeals waved away by the referee.

With Brighton pushing forward, Hazard brilliantly netted a third 13 minutes from time before Victor Moses made it four late on. The win took Chelsea above Liverpool -- who play on Monday -- into third . One win in 13 league games leaves Brighton 16th.

Chelsea's midweek penalty shootout success over Norwich City in the FA Cup meant they had drawn their last five games in regulation time in all competitions

Two goals from Eden Hazard helped Chelsea cruise to a 4-0 victory at Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Saturday for their first league win of 2018. Chelsea's midweek penalty shootout success over Norwich City in the FA Cup meant they had drawn their last five games in regulation time in all competitions but Hazard and Willian struck inside six minutes to set them on their way on Saturday. Brighton tried to get back into the match but were denied by the bar, some fine saves by Willy Caballero -- making his first league start for Chelsea in place of injured Thibaut Courtois -- while having two penalty appeals waved away by the referee. With Brighton pushing forward, Hazard brilliantly netted a third 13 minutes from time before Victor Moses made it four late on. The win took Chelsea above Liverpool -- who play on Monday -- into third . One win in 13 league games leaves Brighton 16th.

Hazard nets double as Chelsea ease to victory at Brighton

Eden Hazard&#39;s dazzling goal inspired Chelsea to a 2-1 victory at West Ham United on Monday as Antonio Conte&#39;s side restored their 10-point advantage in the Premier League.

Hazard finished off a lightning counter-attack in the 25th minute and Diego Costa&#39;s 49th league goal for Chelsea rubber-stamped victory before Manuel Lanzini belatedly replied in stoppage time.

With Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City having won at the weekend, this was a test of Chelsea&#39;s nerve, but their assured display suggested there will be few bumps on the road to the title.

Hazard, in particular, brimmed with self-belief, at one point using his back to play a showy pass to N&#39;Golo Kante, while Costa took his tally for the season to 18 goals in all competitions.

West Ham had won 2-1 when the sides last met in the League Cup in October, but Lanzini&#39;s late strike gave the final score at London Stadium a slightly misleading gloss for the home side.

Andy Carroll&#39;s return after a month out with a groin injury gave Slaven Bilic&#39;s West Ham a welcome attacking focal point and they looked for the towering striker at every opportunity.

Robert Snodgrass and Lanzini curled a succession of testing crosses into the Chelsea box, but the visitors withstood the aerial onslaught before taking the lead in ruthless fashion.

All it took was a misplaced Mark Noble pass to set Chelsea off, with Kante intercepting the loose ball before ferrying a pass down the left touchline to Hazard, who moved it infield to Pedro.

No sooner had he released the ball than Hazard was darting in behind the West Ham defence.

Pedro&#39;s pass found the Belgian and he nudged the ball wide of advancing goalkeeper Darren Randolph before steering a shot into the vacant net for his 11th goal of the season.

Fan intrusion&nbsp;

In a troubling moment, an irate male West Ham fan in a black anorak and jeans vaulted the advertising hoardings and attempted to confront Hazard as he celebrated, but was held back by stewards.

It took until the 40th minute for West Ham to muster an attempt worthy of the name, Lanzini swapping passes with Noble and blazing over.

They were fortunate to reach the interval only a goal behind after Chelsea spurned three clear-cut chances in rapid succession shortly before the break.

Hazard&#39;s cross was completely missed by Costa, Victor Moses saw an effort blocked by a stretching Aaron Cresswell and Pedro&#39;s follow-up was palmed away by Randolph.

Costa atoned for his miscue five minutes into the second half by doubling Chelsea&#39;s lead, guiding the ball into the net with his knee after Cesc Fabregas&#39;s corner had glanced off Pedro Obiang&#39;s head.

Marcos Alonso threatened to kill West Ham off for good moments later when he danced past Jose Fonte and dinked a shot wide.

But it proved the precursor to the hosts&#39; strongest period of the match.

Carroll curled in an effort that brushed the roof netting, Snodgrass worried Thibaut Courtois with a cross-shot and Fonte headed wide moments after Moses had blocked from Sofiane Feghouli.

Conte stiffened his midfield in response, sending on Nemanja Matic for Pedro and switching to a 5-3-2 configuration.

The switch succeeded in snuffing out the hosts&#39; revival and although Lanzini halved the arrears with a low drive, after Randolph had saved from Costa at the other end, victory never looked in doubt.

(AFP)

The English premier League frontrunners have restored their 10-point lead

Eden Hazard's dazzling goal inspired Chelsea to a 2-1 victory at West Ham United on Monday as Antonio Conte's side restored their 10-point advantage in the Premier League. Hazard finished off a lightning counter-attack in the 25th minute and Diego Costa's 49th league goal for Chelsea rubber-stamped victory before Manuel Lanzini belatedly replied in stoppage time. With Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City having won at the weekend, this was a test of Chelsea's nerve, but their assured display suggested there will be few bumps on the road to the title. Hazard, in particular, brimmed with self-belief, at one point using his back to play a showy pass to N'Golo Kante, while Costa took his tally for the season to 18 goals in all competitions. West Ham had won 2-1 when the sides last met in the League Cup in October, but Lanzini's late strike gave the final score at London Stadium a slightly misleading gloss for the home side. Andy Carroll's return after a month out with a groin injury gave Slaven Bilic's West Ham a welcome attacking focal point and they looked for the towering striker at every opportunity. Robert Snodgrass and Lanzini curled a succession of testing crosses into the Chelsea box, but the visitors withstood the aerial onslaught before taking the lead in ruthless fashion. All it took was a misplaced Mark Noble pass to set Chelsea off, with Kante intercepting the loose ball before ferrying a pass down the left touchline to Hazard, who moved it infield to Pedro. No sooner had he released the ball than Hazard was darting in behind the West Ham defence. Pedro's pass found the Belgian and he nudged the ball wide of advancing goalkeeper Darren Randolph before steering a shot into the vacant net for his 11th goal of the season. Fan intrusion In a troubling moment, an irate male West Ham fan in a black anorak and jeans vaulted the advertising hoardings and attempted to confront Hazard as he celebrated, but was held back by stewards. It took until the 40th minute for West Ham to muster an attempt worthy of the name, Lanzini swapping passes with Noble and blazing over. They were fortunate to reach the interval only a goal behind after Chelsea spurned three clear-cut chances in rapid succession shortly before the break. Hazard's cross was completely missed by Costa, Victor Moses saw an effort blocked by a stretching Aaron Cresswell and Pedro's follow-up was palmed away by Randolph. Costa atoned for his miscue five minutes into the second half by doubling Chelsea's lead, guiding the ball into the net with his knee after Cesc Fabregas's corner had glanced off Pedro Obiang's head. Marcos Alonso threatened to kill West Ham off for good moments later when he danced past Jose Fonte and dinked a shot wide. But it proved the precursor to the hosts' strongest period of the match. Carroll curled in an effort that brushed the roof netting, Snodgrass worried Thibaut Courtois with a cross-shot and Fonte headed wide moments after Moses had blocked from Sofiane Feghouli. Conte stiffened his midfield in response, sending on Nemanja Matic for Pedro and switching to a 5-3-2 configuration. The switch succeeded in snuffing out the hosts' revival and although Lanzini halved the arrears with a low drive, after Randolph had saved from Costa at the other end, victory never looked in doubt. (AFP)

Hazard inspires Chelsea to victory at West Ham

Eden Hazard scored a sublime solo goal as Premier League leaders&nbsp;Chelsea&nbsp;thrust a dagger into Arsenal&#39;s title aspirations with a 3-1 victory at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

The Belgian winger left a trail of defenders in his wake to double&nbsp;Chelsea&#39;s lead in the 53rd minute, in between a contentious header by Marcos Alonso and a late lob from Arsenal old boy Cesc Fabregas.

It was&nbsp;Chelsea&#39;s 11th home victory in succession and their 16th win in 18 league games, stretching their lead over third-place Arsenal to a huge 12 points with 14 games of the season remaining.

&quot;I think we are showing we deserve to stay on top of the table,&quot; said&nbsp;Chelsea&nbsp;manager Antonio Conte.

&quot;I am very pleased for my players. In every session they show me great attitude and great will to fight and win this league.&quot;

Chelsea&nbsp;have been close to unplayable since Conte changed their system to a 3-4-3 during their 3-0 loss at Arsenal on September 24 and it seems only a matter of time until they are crowned champions.

For Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who watched from the stands as he served the third game of a four-match touchline ban, his side&#39;s season is following a wearily familiar pattern.

Arsenal have lost their last five games at the Bridge and had conceded 13 unanswered goals prior to Olivier Giroud&#39;s stoppage-time consolation.

Beaten for the fourth time in nine league games, they once again face the prospect of a run-in given suspense only by the tussle for Champions League places.

Wenger felt Alonso&#39;s goal was &quot;100 percent a foul&quot; on Hector Bellerin, but conceded: &quot;We were really naive and not clinical in our defending. Then&nbsp;Chelsea&nbsp;looked the better side.&quot;

With a raft of midfielders unavailable, Wenger was obliged to start with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain alongside Francis Coquelin in the middle, while Theo Walcott replaced Giroud in attack.

Bellerin forced off

Arsenal had conceded two goals in the first 13 minutes of Tuesday&#39;s 2-1 loss at home to Watford.

They almost caught&nbsp;Chelsea&nbsp;cold here, Alex Iwobi curling wide after Thibaut Courtois overhit a pass towards David Luiz.

But after Gary Cahill had headed into the ground and over the bar at the other end,&nbsp;Chelsea&nbsp;went ahead in the 13th minute with a goal that left Arsenal&#39;s fans fuming.

Pedro sent a cross into the box from the right that Diego Costa headed against the bar at the near post, sending the ball spinning into the air.

As Bellerin got himself in position to head it away, and with Walcott watching on impassively, Alonso flew in, cleaning his fellow Spaniard out with his forearm and heading the ball home.

Referee Martin Atkinson allowed the goal to stand and Arsenal&#39;s disappointment was compounded by the sight of a dazed Bellerin being led down the tunnel, with Gabriel taking his place.

Chelsea&nbsp;were buoyant, Costa driving a shot into the side-netting and Pedro forcing Petr Cech to push the ball behind from Alonso&#39;s accurate cut-back.

But Arsenal ended the first half strongly, Courtois producing a stunning one-handed save to turn Gabriel&#39;s header over the bar and then dropping onto a tame effort by Mesut Ozil.

It took a last-ditch tackle by Laurent Koscielny to prevent Hazard scampering clear early in the second half, but when the&nbsp;Chelseanumber 10 picked up the ball minutes later there was no getting it back.

After striding onto a loose ball in the centre circle, he beat Koscielny, shrugged off Coquelin, leaving him flat on his back, and then outfoxed Koscielny again before squeezing a shot past Cech.

On the touchline, Conte celebrated with even greater abandon than usual, leaping into the crowd.

There were flickers from Arsenal, Courtois clawing away a deft header from substitute Danny Welbeck, before Fabregas lobbed in from 25 yards after Cech shanked the ball straight to him.

Giroud reduced the arrears, heading in from Nacho Monreal&#39;s cross.

(AFP)

The Blues won 3-1 in the London derby, with Eden Hazard's solo goal the highlight of the match

Eden Hazard scored a sublime solo goal as Premier League leaders Chelsea thrust a dagger into Arsenal's title aspirations with a 3-1 victory at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. The Belgian winger left a trail of defenders in his wake to double Chelsea's lead in the 53rd minute, in between a contentious header by Marcos Alonso and a late lob from Arsenal old boy Cesc Fabregas. It was Chelsea's 11th home victory in succession and their 16th win in 18 league games, stretching their lead over third-place Arsenal to a huge 12 points with 14 games of the season remaining. "I think we are showing we deserve to stay on top of the table," said Chelsea manager Antonio Conte. "I am very pleased for my players. In every session they show me great attitude and great will to fight and win this league." Chelsea have been close to unplayable since Conte changed their system to a 3-4-3 during their 3-0 loss at Arsenal on September 24 and it seems only a matter of time until they are crowned champions. For Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who watched from the stands as he served the third game of a four-match touchline ban, his side's season is following a wearily familiar pattern. Arsenal have lost their last five games at the Bridge and had conceded 13 unanswered goals prior to Olivier Giroud's stoppage-time consolation. Beaten for the fourth time in nine league games, they once again face the prospect of a run-in given suspense only by the tussle for Champions League places. Wenger felt Alonso's goal was "100 percent a foul" on Hector Bellerin, but conceded: "We were really naive and not clinical in our defending. Then Chelsea looked the better side." With a raft of midfielders unavailable, Wenger was obliged to start with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain alongside Francis Coquelin in the middle, while Theo Walcott replaced Giroud in attack. Bellerin forced off Arsenal had conceded two goals in the first 13 minutes of Tuesday's 2-1 loss at home to Watford. They almost caught Chelsea cold here, Alex Iwobi curling wide after Thibaut Courtois overhit a pass towards David Luiz. But after Gary Cahill had headed into the ground and over the bar at the other end, Chelsea went ahead in the 13th minute with a goal that left Arsenal's fans fuming. Pedro sent a cross into the box from the right that Diego Costa headed against the bar at the near post, sending the ball spinning into the air. As Bellerin got himself in position to head it away, and with Walcott watching on impassively, Alonso flew in, cleaning his fellow Spaniard out with his forearm and heading the ball home. Referee Martin Atkinson allowed the goal to stand and Arsenal's disappointment was compounded by the sight of a dazed Bellerin being led down the tunnel, with Gabriel taking his place. Chelsea were buoyant, Costa driving a shot into the side-netting and Pedro forcing Petr Cech to push the ball behind from Alonso's accurate cut-back. But Arsenal ended the first half strongly, Courtois producing a stunning one-handed save to turn Gabriel's header over the bar and then dropping onto a tame effort by Mesut Ozil. It took a last-ditch tackle by Laurent Koscielny to prevent Hazard scampering clear early in the second half, but when the Chelseanumber 10 picked up the ball minutes later there was no getting it back. After striding onto a loose ball in the centre circle, he beat Koscielny, shrugged off Coquelin, leaving him flat on his back, and then outfoxed Koscielny again before squeezing a shot past Cech. On the touchline, Conte celebrated with even greater abandon than usual, leaping into the crowd. There were flickers from Arsenal, Courtois clawing away a deft header from substitute Danny Welbeck, before Fabregas lobbed in from 25 yards after Cech shanked the ball straight to him. Giroud reduced the arrears, heading in from Nacho Monreal's cross. (AFP)

Chelsea beat Arsenal to zoom off to 12-point lead

Eden Hazard scored twice as Chelsea exploited a slip-up by Manchester City to claim top spot in the Premier League by stylishly crushing Everton 5-0 on Saturday.

Marten de Roon&#39;s stoppage-time equaliser earned Middlesbrough a 1-1 draw at City and Antonio Conte&#39;s Chelsea took advantage to move a point clear of Pep Guardiola&#39;s side at the summit.

&quot;When you win in this way it&#39;s fantastic because we played good football with good intensity,&quot; Conte told BT Sport.

&quot;All the players played in the right way with and without the ball. We created many chances to score and also it&#39;s the fifth clean sheet in a row, which is fantastic.

&quot;It is fantastic to be top of the league.&quot;

Arsenal and Liverpool could also surpass City before the weekend is out, the former tackling Tottenham Hotspur in Sunday&#39;s North London derby and the latter entertaining Watford.

Elsewhere, bottom club Sunderland ended their wait for a first win of the season at the 11th attempt by coming from behind to win 2-1 at Bournemouth despite having Steven Pienaar sent off.

At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea produced one of their most scintillating performances in recent memory as the 2014-15 champions made it five straight wins without conceding a goal.

Hazard opened the scoring in the 19th minute, drifting in from the left to drill a shot into the bottom-right corner, and a minute later Pedro Rodriguez teed up Marcos Alonso for the hosts&#39; second.

Diego Costa made it 3-0 three minutes before half-time, slamming home at the back post after Nemanja Matic flicked on Hazard&#39;s corner to bring up his ninth goal of the campaign.

Chelsea&#39;s fourth goal was a jewel, Pedro returning Hazard&#39;s pass with a sweet back-heel and the Belgian dancing into the box from the right before lashing home with his left foot.

Pedro volleyed in the fifth, in the 65th minute, after Everton goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg parried a shot from Hazard.

City went into their game on the back of a stirring 3-1 Champions League win over Barcelona and Boro&#39;s former Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes looked determined to restore Catalan pride at the Etihad Stadium.

He saved brilliantly from Sergio Aguero and David Silva, only for Aguero to put the hosts ahead in the 43rd minute by converting Kevin De Bruyne&#39;s sumptuous cross for his 150th goal in 223 City appearances.

Barnes late show&nbsp;

Boro showed more attacking intent in the second half, former City striker Alvaro Negredo almost catching out Claudio Bravo with an audacious lob from his own half before Bravo saved smartly from Adam Forshaw.

After Aguero had squandered a late chance, Dutch midfielder De Roon met George Friend&#39;s deep cross with a thumping header to earn Boro a dramatic point.

&quot;We did absolutely everything to win the game. It is a pity,&quot; said Guardiola, whose side have drawn their last three home league games 1-1 following previous stalemates against Everton and Southampton.

&quot;It is a miss because we have dropped six points in the last three home games, but we are still there. We have to move forward.&quot;

Sunderland remain bottom, below Swansea City on goal difference, but manager David Moyes belatedly has a victory to his name following a hard-fought success at Bournemouth&#39;s Vitality Stadium.

After Adam Smith had teed up Dan Gosling to bundle in an 11th-minute opener for Bournemouth, Victor Anichebe equalised with his first Sunderland goal.

Pienaar was sent off just before the hour after receiving a second yellow card for a lunge on Junior Stanislas, but Jermain Defoe netted a 74th-minute winner from the spot after Smith felled Anichebe.

&quot;It is a big relief,&quot; Moyes told Sky Sports. &quot;We owed the supporters the victory. They have kept with us.

&quot;We needed a win, but it is only one. We need a few more.&quot;

There was late drama at Turf Moor as Burnley withstood a Crystal Palace fightback to prevail 3-2 courtesy of Ashley Barnes&#39;s 94th-minute strike.

Sam Vokes and Johann Berg Gundmundsson put Burnley 2-0 up, only for Palace to hit back through second-half goals by substitute Connor Wickham and Christian Benteke.

But in the fourth minute of stoppage time, Gudmundsson crossed for Barnes to fire home and condemn Palace -- who later hit the post through Andros Townsend -- to a fourth straight defeat.

Stoke City drew 1-1 at West Ham United, Bojan Krkic exploiting an error by home goalkeeper Adrian to equalise in the 75th minute after a Glenn Whelan own goal had put the hosts ahead.

(AFP) 
&nbsp;

Man City slipped up, drawing 1-1 with Middlesbrough

Eden Hazard scored twice as Chelsea exploited a slip-up by Manchester City to claim top spot in the Premier League by stylishly crushing Everton 5-0 on Saturday. Marten de Roon's stoppage-time equaliser earned Middlesbrough a 1-1 draw at City and Antonio Conte's Chelsea took advantage to move a point clear of Pep Guardiola's side at the summit. "When you win in this way it's fantastic because we played good football with good intensity," Conte told BT Sport. "All the players played in the right way with and without the ball. We created many chances to score and also it's the fifth clean sheet in a row, which is fantastic. "It is fantastic to be top of the league." Arsenal and Liverpool could also surpass City before the weekend is out, the former tackling Tottenham Hotspur in Sunday's North London derby and the latter entertaining Watford. Elsewhere, bottom club Sunderland ended their wait for a first win of the season at the 11th attempt by coming from behind to win 2-1 at Bournemouth despite having Steven Pienaar sent off. At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea produced one of their most scintillating performances in recent memory as the 2014-15 champions made it five straight wins without conceding a goal. Hazard opened the scoring in the 19th minute, drifting in from the left to drill a shot into the bottom-right corner, and a minute later Pedro Rodriguez teed up Marcos Alonso for the hosts' second. Diego Costa made it 3-0 three minutes before half-time, slamming home at the back post after Nemanja Matic flicked on Hazard's corner to bring up his ninth goal of the campaign. Chelsea's fourth goal was a jewel, Pedro returning Hazard's pass with a sweet back-heel and the Belgian dancing into the box from the right before lashing home with his left foot. Pedro volleyed in the fifth, in the 65th minute, after Everton goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg parried a shot from Hazard. City went into their game on the back of a stirring 3-1 Champions League win over Barcelona and Boro's former Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes looked determined to restore Catalan pride at the Etihad Stadium. He saved brilliantly from Sergio Aguero and David Silva, only for Aguero to put the hosts ahead in the 43rd minute by converting Kevin De Bruyne's sumptuous cross for his 150th goal in 223 City appearances. Barnes late show Boro showed more attacking intent in the second half, former City striker Alvaro Negredo almost catching out Claudio Bravo with an audacious lob from his own half before Bravo saved smartly from Adam Forshaw. After Aguero had squandered a late chance, Dutch midfielder De Roon met George Friend's deep cross with a thumping header to earn Boro a dramatic point. "We did absolutely everything to win the game. It is a pity," said Guardiola, whose side have drawn their last three home league games 1-1 following previous stalemates against Everton and Southampton. "It is a miss because we have dropped six points in the last three home games, but we are still there. We have to move forward." Sunderland remain bottom, below Swansea City on goal difference, but manager David Moyes belatedly has a victory to his name following a hard-fought success at Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium. After Adam Smith had teed up Dan Gosling to bundle in an 11th-minute opener for Bournemouth, Victor Anichebe equalised with his first Sunderland goal. Pienaar was sent off just before the hour after receiving a second yellow card for a lunge on Junior Stanislas, but Jermain Defoe netted a 74th-minute winner from the spot after Smith felled Anichebe. "It is a big relief," Moyes told Sky Sports. "We owed the supporters the victory. They have kept with us. "We needed a win, but it is only one. We need a few more." There was late drama at Turf Moor as Burnley withstood a Crystal Palace fightback to prevail 3-2 courtesy of Ashley Barnes's 94th-minute strike. Sam Vokes and Johann Berg Gundmundsson put Burnley 2-0 up, only for Palace to hit back through second-half goals by substitute Connor Wickham and Christian Benteke. But in the fourth minute of stoppage time, Gudmundsson crossed for Barnes to fire home and condemn Palace -- who later hit the post through Andros Townsend -- to a fourth straight defeat. Stoke City drew 1-1 at West Ham United, Bojan Krkic exploiting an error by home goalkeeper Adrian to equalise in the 75th minute after a Glenn Whelan own goal had put the hosts ahead. (AFP)

EPL: Chelsea crush Everton 5-0, storm to top of league standings

Belgium captain Eden Hazard produced an inspired performance, including a fine solo goal, to lead his side to a resounding 4-0 victory over Hungary at Euro 2016 on Sunday to set up a quarter-final clash with Wales. 
 
Hazard, who has finally burst into life at the tournament after a disappointing club season with Chelsea, set up one goal and scored another as Toby Alderweireld, Michy Batshuayi and Yannick Carrasco completed a comfortable victory. 
 
&quot;If he&#39;s feeling good, he&#39;s the best in the world,&quot; Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said of Hazard. &quot; The only thing we might have done better was kill the match off earlier.&quot; 
 
Belgium dominated the opening stages and took the lead after 10 minutes when Kevin De Bruyne swung an inviting cross into the box where centre back Alderweireld rose at the far post to power a header past keeper Gabor Kiraly. 
 
Substitute Batshuayi tapped home Hazard&#39;s low cross with 12 minutes remaining shortly after coming on before the Belgium skipper cut inside Hungary&#39;s box and rifled home a superb low strike for the third, with Carrasco grabbing a late fourth. 
 
Hungary, shorn of influential midfielder Lazlo Kleinheisler who was injured in the warm-up, ceded the initiative early as Belgium found space and set the tone for a one-sided half. 
 
De Bruyne has improved significantly after being criticised by coach Marc Wilmots and was again at the heart of much that was good about Belgium&#39;s play. 
 
He lofted an early shot over the bar and teed up striker Romelu Lukaku to force a sharp save from veteran Kiraly, before testing the keeper himself from the edge of the box. 
 
Predictably, it was De Bruyne who forged the opening to cap off an excellent opening spell. 
 
After provoking a foul on the left, the 24-year-old curled in the resulting free kick and, while his delivery evaded Lukaku, Alderweireld arrived behind his team mate to head home. 
 
It was De Bruyne&#39;s 11th goal or assist in his last 12 internationals, and represented another decisive contribution for one of the Euro&#39;s leading lights. 
 
Hungary were largely reduced to pot shots from distance, with Gergo Lovrencsics and Balazs Dzsudzsak both hoping in vain for a repeat of the latter&#39;s belter against Portugal. 
 
De Bruyne fired a free kick against the bar in the 34th, while the overworked Kiraly denied Dries Mertens and Hazard from close range as Belgium threatened to extend their lead. 
 
Hungary improved after the break as Dzsudzsak got more of the ball and he fashioned an excellent chance for Adam Szalai, while Adam Pinter&#39;s deflected strike drew a fine save from Courtois and Roland Juhasz sent a low drive just wide. 
 
With Belgium failing to kill off the game, Wilmots turned to Batshuayi, so far unused at the finals, after 76 minutes. 
 
The switch paid off almost immediately as the highly regarded forward scored with his first touch, a simple finish following a sublime cross from Hazard in the 78th. 
 
Just as De Bruyne had imposed himself during the opening stages of the match, so Hazard shone at the finale. 
 
Ninety-four seconds later, the forward killed the game with a magnificent solo effort, cutting in from the left, evading two challenges and thumping the ball home from the edge of the area. 
 
Substitutes Marouane Fellaini and Carrasco combined at the death to add a breakaway fourth as Belgium secured a quarter-final date with Wales in Lille on Friday. 
 
(Reuters)

Belgium captain Eden Hazard produced an inspired performance, including a fine solo goal, to lead his side to a resounding 4-0 victory over Hungary at Euro 2016 on Sunday to set up a quarter-final clash with Wales. Hazard, who has finally burst into life at the tournament after a disappointing club season with Chelsea, set up one goal and scored another as Toby Alderweireld, Michy Batshuayi and Yannick Carrasco completed a comfortable victory. "If he's feeling good, he's the best in the world," Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said of Hazard. " The only thing we might have done better was kill the match off earlier." Belgium dominated the opening stages and took the lead after 10 minutes when Kevin De Bruyne swung an inviting cross into the box where centre back Alderweireld rose at the far post to power a header past keeper Gabor Kiraly. Substitute Batshuayi tapped home Hazard's low cross with 12 minutes remaining shortly after coming on before the Belgium skipper cut inside Hungary's box and rifled home a superb low strike for the third, with Carrasco grabbing a late fourth. Hungary, shorn of influential midfielder Lazlo Kleinheisler who was injured in the warm-up, ceded the initiative early as Belgium found space and set the tone for a one-sided half. De Bruyne has improved significantly after being criticised by coach Marc Wilmots and was again at the heart of much that was good about Belgium's play. He lofted an early shot over the bar and teed up striker Romelu Lukaku to force a sharp save from veteran Kiraly, before testing the keeper himself from the edge of the box. Predictably, it was De Bruyne who forged the opening to cap off an excellent opening spell. After provoking a foul on the left, the 24-year-old curled in the resulting free kick and, while his delivery evaded Lukaku, Alderweireld arrived behind his team mate to head home. It was De Bruyne's 11th goal or assist in his last 12 internationals, and represented another decisive contribution for one of the Euro's leading lights. Hungary were largely reduced to pot shots from distance, with Gergo Lovrencsics and Balazs Dzsudzsak both hoping in vain for a repeat of the latter's belter against Portugal. De Bruyne fired a free kick against the bar in the 34th, while the overworked Kiraly denied Dries Mertens and Hazard from close range as Belgium threatened to extend their lead. Hungary improved after the break as Dzsudzsak got more of the ball and he fashioned an excellent chance for Adam Szalai, while Adam Pinter's deflected strike drew a fine save from Courtois and Roland Juhasz sent a low drive just wide. With Belgium failing to kill off the game, Wilmots turned to Batshuayi, so far unused at the finals, after 76 minutes. The switch paid off almost immediately as the highly regarded forward scored with his first touch, a simple finish following a sublime cross from Hazard in the 78th. Just as De Bruyne had imposed himself during the opening stages of the match, so Hazard shone at the finale. Ninety-four seconds later, the forward killed the game with a magnificent solo effort, cutting in from the left, evading two challenges and thumping the ball home from the edge of the area. Substitutes Marouane Fellaini and Carrasco combined at the death to add a breakaway fourth as Belgium secured a quarter-final date with Wales in Lille on Friday. (Reuters)

Belgium overwhelm Hungary 4-0

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