Eden Hazard scores hat trick to send Chelsea top

Updated: May 17, 2024, 12:28 am

A hat trick from Eden Hazard gave Chelsea their fifth win in five games, a 4-1 victory over Cardiff City that sent them to the top of the Premier League on Saturday.

The win made Maurizio Sarri only the fourth league manager, behind Carlo Ancelotti, Pep Guardiola and Craig Shakespeare, to win his first five games.

"My target is to be the best team in England, but not in one month," said Sarri, who took over from Antonio Conte in the summer.

Eden Hazard celebrates his goal for Chelsea during their Premier League game against Cardiff.
Eden Hazard celebrates his goal for Chelsea during their Premier League game against Cardiff.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Chelsea were stunned when an unmarked Sol Bamba flicked home to put Cardiff ahead in the 16th minute, but Hazard replied twice before halftime as the home side upped the tempo.

He hit the bottom corner after dancing round two defenders to shoot low in the 37th minute, then latched on to another Olivier Giroud layoff in the 44th.

Hazard scored a penalty in the 81st minute after Bamba brought down Willian in the area, and Willian rounded off a satisfying afternoon for Chelsea, who moved top on goal difference, with a dipping shot from outside the area.