Zola: Hazard and Costa haven’t helped Chelsea this season

Gianfranco Zola believes that the form of Chelsea’s star forwards Diego Costa and Eden Hazard “has not helped” his old club this season, per FIFA.com.

Chelsea linger in 16th in the Premier League table, having recorded just three wins. The Blues’ latest defeat to Stoke on Saturday was their seventh loss of the league campaign.

Hazard and Costa have come under particular scrutiny in recent weeks for their below par performances this season.

The pair, who managed a combined 34 goals in the top flight last season, have only scored twice between them in the Premier League this term.

Chelsea’s two-time Player of the Year winner Zola feels that the poor efforts of the attackers have been a big hindrance for his former side.

Zola said: “There is no one compelling reason for the poor start to the season. The poor form of key offensive players Eden Hazard and Diego Costa has not helped.

"Defensively as well the team dropped the standards set last year. So the players have lost confidence as a group and this has led to poor results."

Zola said: “There is no one compelling reason for the poor start to the season. The poor form of key offensive players Eden Hazard and Diego Costa has not helped.

"Defensively as well the team dropped the standards set last year. So the players have lost confidence as a group and this has led to poor results."