English Premier League
Report: Chelsea 4-1 Cardiff City
Date: 15 September 2018
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Eden Hazard stole the show by netting a hat-trick as Chelsea came from behind to thump Cardiff City 4-1 in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
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The first chance game did fall for the host, after Cesar Azpilicueta crossed for Olivier Giroud inside the box, but the big man headed over the top. The first opportunity that came the way of the visitors happened on the 13th minute when Sol Bamba's free header from outside the box went wide. Bamba made no mistake with his second chance later on, poking home a layoff from Morrison from close range to put the visitors ahead. The Blues almost replied instantly but Matteo Kovacic was denied from close range by Neil Etheridge in the opposing goal. It was to be the turn of Pedro coming close with the chance to draw level, but his attempt creeped wide of the post on 24 minutes. The Spaniard tried another unorthodox attempt to hit the back of the net, aiming to lob Etheridge but the effort falls on the roof of the net. On 37 minutes, the Blues saw their prayers answered with Hazard converting the equaliser after his drive forward allowed him to find the bottom corner. Six minutes later, Pedro and Hazard combined to play through Hazard to complete his double of the game for a nice halftime cushion. In the second half, the tempo of the game took a dip, as both sides brought fresh personnel from the sidelines. Chelsea made the first change with Ross Barkley taking the spot of Kovacic on 49 minutes. It was quiet start, with Pedro's long range drive the only meaningful effort on goal. Chelsea were awarded a penalty on 80 minutes when Bamba brought down Willian in full view of the officiating team. Hazard made no mistake as he stepped forward to easily beat Etheridge from 12-yards out and complete his hat-trick. Willian then made the game safe, scoring a cracker as the Londoners continue its good start with a fifth straight win.
