The Belgian international was barely given a breathing space to hugely influence the match as he was constantly taunted by Man United’s Scott McTominay. However, the 26-year-old winger momentarily broke free from the company of the youngster to assist Willian for Chelsea’s only goal in the game in the first half.
He was subsequently replaced by Pedro inside the 73rd minute after another fine display in the second half. Nonetheless, Antonio Conte’s decision to take off his star man practically backfired after the Red Devils were put in front by substitute Jesse Lingard, two minutes following Eden Hazard’s exit.
This has since attracted an inimical reaction from Chelsea fans who believe the player could have done more had he not been substituted. As things stand, the Blues have been demoted to the fifth position with six points separating them and 2nd-placed Manchester United who now has 59 points.
Here are the tweets of some irate fans:
You don't take Hazard off. No matter how poor he is. You just don't.
— CFC (@CFCWriter) February 25, 2018
Really happy for Lukaku. No idea why Conte took Hazard off. Even if he'd settled for a point, Hazard keeps the ball so well and keeps United on the back foot
— Nooruddean (@BeardedGenius) February 25, 2018
Unless he was too injured to continue I don't see why Conte took Hazard off. No game for another week & Morata has offered nothing since hitting the crossbar #cfc #mufc
— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) February 25, 2018
It seems at times that Conte wants Hazard to leave during the summer. Absolutely baffling how often he takes Hazard off in close games, with today being the latest example. Eden, unsurprisingly, is far from pleased.
— EiF (@EiFSoccer) February 25, 2018
The game was beyond our reach as soon as he subbed off Hazard for an out of form player in Pedro
— َ (@HazardEdition) February 25, 2018
Antonio Conte might have written his Chelsea obituary today. What a shambolic piece of management by the Italian. Don't think anyone can explain that substitution (and it's not the first time he's done it with Hazard this year). What in the world is he thinking?
— EiF (@EiFSoccer) February 25, 2018
Penny for Conte's thoughts on why he subbed Hazard and kept Morata on. Would love the insight.
— Gary Al-Smith (@garyalsmith) February 25, 2018
