Under-pressure Hazard trying to find spark
The young Belgian superstar’s efforts are at the heart of this Chelsea team’s success, so it is no wonder to see Hazard’s poor individual form reflected in their overall results so far. After missing the decisive penalty at the same ground just weeks earlier in the League Cup, the 24-year-old showed some signs of life on this trip, able to get some decent and sustained touches on the ball for possibly the first time since the campaign began. Hazard came close to an equalising goal for the visitors on two occasions, a deflected strike in the last 10 minutes of the match going inches wide, though a congested left-flank once again provided minimal pathways to goal.
There were some signs of life from last season’s PFA Player of the Year at the Britannia, but he is still performing far-below the level needed by the team.
[interaction id=”563e53c6f6c9d2ed1d3b7b2d”]
Shaqiri needs to prove himself
Shaqiri’s arrival at the Britannia was heralded as a genius move in the preseason – a deal which would propel Stoke City to a new level of Premier League status. Since the campaign started, however, the output of the former-Bayern Munich playmaker has not lived up to the price tag. This was once again typified by his performance against Chelsea, as although he was consistently able to beat Rahman on the wing when driving toward the box, his crossing left a lot to be desired.
The Swiss’ record in the English top-flight remains at zero goals and just one assist from the 12 matches played and while the Stoke faithful will surely allow him ample time to settle in to this competition, Shaqiri will want to avoid being labelled as the ‘flop of the season’.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
