---
title: "Hazard to play lone striker role again, according to Sarri"
canonical: "https://readchelsea.com/2018/12/09/hazard-to-play-lone-striker-role-again-according-to-sarri/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Charlie Smith"
section: "Chelsea News"
published: "2018-12-09T12:58:16Z"
modified: "2018-12-09T12:58:16Z"
---

# Hazard to play lone striker role again, according to Sarri

Following an impressive personal display in the 2-0 win over Manchester City, Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri has confirmed that Eden Hazard will play as a lone striker again in the future, [Goal](https://www.goal.com/en/news/very-good-option-hazard-will-play-as-centre-forward-again/iuipy7xjt1vf12ve47szgugv3) report.

The Belgian playmaker, who has seven goals and eight assists to his name in the Premier League this campaign, started up front against Manchester City and impressed, as N’Golo Kante and David Luiz’s strikes secured a 2-0 victory over Pep Guardiola’s side.

![Clive Rose/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/1069960544.jpg)

The decision to use Hazard as a lone striker meant there was no room in the matchday squad for Alvaro Morata, with Olivier Giroud taking a place on the bench.

Both Morata and Giroud have struggled in front of goal this season, with the pair managing 11 goals collectively since August.

Talking after the game, Sarri heaped praise on Hazard and admitted he would use the same side again over the course of the campaign.

> He had some problems at the beginning of the match, but I think he played really a very great second half. Maybe he deserved to score.

> I think it’s a very good option. We will play like today in the future for some matches of course.

> The reason was clear. We played with Hazard as a striker, so if we have to change something there was Giroud.

The win for the Blues means they are now just eight points off new leaders Liverpool and Sarri may well decide to use the same tactics for his sides next clash with one of the ‘big six’ against Arsenal in January.