Brighton v Chelsea – story of the match

Eden Hazard inspired Chelsea to a 4-0 victory at Brighton to give the champions their first Premier League win of 2018.

Lightning strikes from Hazard and Willian fired Antonio Conte’s side, stuttering in the top four on the back of three straight draws, into a two-goal lead in the opening six minutes.

Belgian playmaker Hazard then took his tally for the season to 11 with a fine solo goal before Victor Moses added a late fourth.

Tweet of the match

Star man – Eden Hazard

Hazard scored the opener after just three minutes when his quick feet help evade a tackle and fire in for his 100th league goal of his career – 36 for former club Lille and 64 for the Premier League champions. The Belgium international was a constant threat to the Brighton defence with his skilful runs and intelligent through-balls, before he got on the scoresheet once more to cap off a great individual display.

Stat of the match

It was the first time that Chelsea have travelled to the Amex Stadium since Brighton moved to their current home in 2011. The Blues extended their impressive run in away games with the Seagulls, having not lost in any of their five trips to the south coast, winning four and drawing one.

Moment of the match

Chelsea doubled their lead with a wonderful flowing move between Hazard, striker Michy Batshuayi and goalscorer Willian. The Brazil international started the intricate move with a pass to Hazard, who flicked the ball to Batshuayi before his compatriot backheeled the ball for Willian to rifle his strike past Mathew Ryan in the Brighton goal. Pure class.

Player ratings

Brighton: Mathew Ryan 5, Ezequiel Schelotto 5, Shane Duffy 5, Lewis Dunk 5, Connor Goldson 5, Markus Suttner 5, Davy Propper 5, Dale Stephens 6, Solly March 6, Pascal Gross 5, Tomer Hemed 5. Subs: Beram Kayal (for Gross, 68) 5, Glenn Murray (for Hemed, 68) 5, Jose Izquierdo (for March, 83) 5.

Chelsea: Willy Caballero 8, Cesar Azpilicueta 7, Andreas Christensen 6, Antonio Rudiger 6, Victor Moses 7, Tiemoue Bakayoko 6, N’Golo Kante 6, Marcos Alonso 6, Willian 8, Eden Hazard 8, Michy Batshuayi 7. Subs: David Luiz (for Christensen, 58) 6, Davide Zappacosta (for Alonso, 75) 6, Charly Musonda (for Willian, 81) 7.

Who’s up next?

Middlesbrough v Brighton, Emirates FA Cup – Saturday January 27.

Arsenal v Chelsea, Carabao Cup – Wednesday January 24.