Eden Hazard warning to England as Chelsea dismiss Newcastle

Eden Hazard produced a virtuoso performance as Chelsea came from a goal down to secure a 3-1 Premier League win over Newcastle.

Hazard, whose Belgium side were drawn in the same World Cup group as England, gave a thrilling display of what Gareth Southgate's men will face in Russia next summer.

After Dwight Gayle gave Newcastle the lead, Hazard levelled with a bouncing shot into the corner. Alvaro Morata headed Chelsea in front before Hazard scored a 'Panenka' penalty to make the result safe.

The goals were perhaps the least impressive part of Hazard's performance, as his pace, skill and vision gave Newcastle a torrid afternoon, while he took nine shots before being subbed off late on.

The win moves Chelsea level on points with second-placed Manchester United, but still eight points behind Manchester City who have a game in hand.

Chelsea’s champion response: Much has been made of Chelsea’s December schedule – by Antonio Conte in particular – but their first of nine matches ended in a comfortable victory, despite it not going all their own way to begin with. The Blues responded to Gayle’s opener in style, and rarely looked threatened after their equaliser. It’s a month where momentum is key, and Conte couldn’t have asked for a better start.

Eden Hazard – Two goals only starts to tell the story of Hazard’s performance. The Belgian enjoyed the freedom of Stamford Bridge at times and never let the Newcastle defence have a moment’s rest. Not like England fans needed it, but it was a timely reminder of the weapons Hazard possesses. No doubt Kevin De Bruyne will put in a similarly frightful performance against West Ham tomorrow.

Chelsea: Courtois 6, Azpilicueta 6, Rudiger 6, Christensen 7, Moses 7, Kante 7, Drinkwater 7, Fabregas 8, Alonso 7, Hazard 8, Morata 8. Subs: Bakayoko 6, Willian 6, Cahill 6

Newcastle: Darlow 6, Mbemba 6, Clark 6, Lejeune 6, Manquillo 5, Murphy 6, Merino 5, Diame 6, Ritchie 6, Perez 5, Gayle 5. Subs: Hayden 6, Shelvey 6, Yedlin N/A

12’ - GOAL! Dwight Gayle gives Newcastle the lead and it's all come from a horrendous Chelsea mistake. Alonso's pass back is poor and Courtois comes rushing out to deny Murphy, but the ricochet falls kindly into the path of Gayle, who slides in an easy opener.

21’ - Chelsea are level! And it's that man Eden Hazard... Moments after Christensen hits the post for Chelsea, it's Hazard who picks up the loose ball inside the area, and sees his effort dart into the ground before flying into the far corner.

33’ - Chelsea take the lead! And this time it's Morata! Moses' cross is drilled into the box and it's yet another Morata header, with the Spaniard using the pace of the ball to direct it on target.

73’ - Penalty to Chelsea! Ritchie catches Moses and the referee points to the spot...

74’ - Hazard makes it three from the spot! The Belgian coolly, calmly and cheekily chips the ball down the middle with Darlow diving to his left. It's a Panenka on Antonin Panenka's 69th birthday!

Since the start of last season, Alvaro Morata has scored 11 headed goals, more than any other player in Europe’s big five leagues.

Eden Hazard has scored more goals in all competitions for Chelsea under Antonio Conte than any other player.

Antonio Conte has won all 17 Premier League games with Chelsea in which Eden Hazard has scored.

Since the start of last season, Dwight Gayle has scored 25 league goals for Newcastle, more than double any other player has netted for the club.