The Hazard era at Chelsea: trophies and the rivalry with City
By Martin Graham
During Eden Hazard’s tenure at Chelsea, the club enjoyed a period of significant success. The team secured two Premier League titles and two Europa League trophies with the Belgian star in their lineup. This collection of silverware was further enhanced with victories in the FA Cup and the League Cup.
Former captain John Terry had confidently predicted Hazard would be exceptional for the Blues, and this belief was quickly validated. Hazard rapidly established himself as one of the most outstanding talents in the entire league, living up to the high expectations from the very beginning.
The Manchester City rivalry
Hazard’s years in England aligned with the conclusion of Manchester United’s period of supremacy. During this era, Chelsea were consistently at the top of the table. On the occasions when the London club did not win the league, it was typically Manchester City who were crowned champions. In fact, the Manchester side secured the title on three separate occasions while the winger was at Stamford Bridge.
This consistent competition explains why Hazard identified City as his most difficult opponent. Chelsea ended up in third place twice in seasons where City won the league, including the 2018/19 campaign, which was his last with the club.
Hazard’s personal record against City
Despite beginning his Chelsea career in a Community Shield match against Manchester City where he did not score, his overall record against them was impressive. In all competitions, the attacker scored four times and provided six assists against the Sky Blues.
One of his most memorable moments came in the 2019 EFL Cup final, where he audaciously converted a panenka penalty. Although City won the match, this moment highlighted the sheer confidence he possessed when facing them. His most productive period against this rival was the 2016/17 season, where he was responsible for three of his team’s five goals in their meetings, a season that concluded with Chelsea lifting the Premier League trophy.
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