Chelsea's Star Eden Hazard Remains Defiant: 'I've Not Lost My Quality'

 

 Chelsea winger Eden Hazard has insisted he is still the same player as he was last season and hopes that an improved performance and a goal against Arsenal at the weekend will help start to build his confidence back up.

Speaking to Chelseafc.com, the Belgian explained, "I am feeling good. Last year I had a good season. I have not lost my quality. I had a good game and scored a goal with a bit of luck, but that will be good for my confidence."

Hazard found the net when his shot was deflected in past a helpless Petr Cech by Arsenal defender Calum Chambers. It was the crucial second goal which effectively killed the contest and helped Chelsea to what was a desperately needed victory.

"After the complicated start to the season we've had we had to win against a good team," the reigning PFA and FWA Player of the Year added.

"We won during the week as well (4-0 versus Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Champions League) and the confidence was close (to being fully restored). We deserved to win the match."

It was only Chelsea's third win of the season in all competitions, but the focus was very much on the incident that played out between Diego Costa and Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista. The Spanish striker has been accused of taking gamesmanship to a new and unacceptable level, but team-mate Cesc Fabregas doesn't see the problem.

"He's very competitive; it’s good, he’s hungry for success and to win all the time," the midfielder said. "You can see the fans love him as well, they get behind him all the time so it's great for us."

It was too much for the Football Association, though. Costa is facing a potential ban after being charged for violent conduct for a separate incident involving a physical confrontation with Laurent Koscielny.