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Eden Hazard has now scored five goals in his past three Premier League games for Chelsea
Eden Hazard has scored five goals in his past three Premier League games
Eden Hazard scored a hat-trick as Chelsea swept aside Cardiff City to maintain their 100% start to the Premier League season and go top of the table.
The newly promoted visitors took the lead when Joe Ralls' free-kick was headed by captain Sean Morrison into the path of Sol Bamba, who volleyed home.
However, Hazard scored twice in seven minutes before half-time to send Chelsea in on top.
The Belgium international scored his third with a late penalty after Bamba brought down Willian, who added the Blues' fourth from long range.
Victory means Chelsea have started a top-flight season with five successive wins for the fourth time, and first since 2010.
For Cardiff, defeat extends their winless run to six games, their worst spell since Neil Warnock was appointed manager in October 2016.
They started well at Stamford Bridge, and deserved the lead given to them by Bamba, but Chelsea's quality ultimately shone through.
The Blues now have five points more than they had at this stage last season.

Hazard shows his class

Chelsea celebrate after Eden Hazard scores his hat-trick against Cardiff City
Chelsea celebrate after Hazard completes his hat-trick
Chelsea came into the game in much the better form, but it was Cardiff who dominated the early stages - much to the hosts' frustration.
But, after Bamba's opener, Hazard changed the game with a low 37th-minute strike that levelled the scores.
He doubled his tally soon after with a heavily deflected shot after Olivier Giroud did well to lay the ball to his team-mate.
And the Belgian wrapped up his hat-trick late on to seal victory for a Chelsea side who rarely looked in danger of conceding in the second half.
After needing late goals against Arsenal, Newcastle and Bournemouth prior to the international break, Hazard's performance meant Chelsea were not forced to dig deep this time around.
More to follow.
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Home TeamChelseaAway TeamCardiff
Possession
Home77%
Away23%
Shots
Home18
Away6
Shots on Target
Home7
Away2
Corners
Home5
Away4
Fouls
Home8
Away10
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