2. No Start For Hazard
Again, Eden Hazard failed to make an appearance in the starting eleven. The winger ended his lengthy goal drought with a penalty in the Blues’ FA Cup tie against MK Dons, which some saw as a signal that he was ready to make a full return. Even so, the Belgian started the game from the bench.
The controversial move did not particularly pay off for Hiddink either. Chelsea lacked that cutting edge in the final third and thus were unable to break down an organised Watford defence.
Interestingly, the interim boss waited until the 73rd minute before introducing last year’s Player Of The Season. When he came on, Hazard did look the most likely to make something happen, but given the precious minutes that he was afforded, he could not deliver a material return.
After a somewhat exciting performance at the weekend, you have to question Hiddink’s wisdom in dropping the Belgian. Could he still be lacking match fitness following his injury? Or is there a more fundamental issue that is not public yet. Let’s just hope that it’s the former.
Next: 3. Courtois Shows Class