Eden Hazard says Chelsea “played like tigers” to earn victory against West Ham in Antonio Conte’s first match in charge of the club.
The Belgium international was named man-of-the-match after his penalty and Diego Costa’s dramatic late winner either side of James Collins’ strike secured a 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge on Monday.
Hazard endured a miserable 2015-16 season, scoring only four goals in 31 Premier League games – but he was glad start afresh and play a key role in the morale-boosting derby victory.
“It is good to be back on the pitch and winning in front of our supporters,” the 25-year-old said to Sky Sports.
“The first game in the season is always important. We did very well and played like tigers for 90 minutes.
“It is not every year I score in my first game so that is good. I missed a couple of penalties last season and Oscar asked me before if he could shoot but I said, ‘No, it’s my turn’. It is always good to score a penalty.
“Last season is finished. Now we are looking forward to the future. We want to bring the fans a lot of emotion and it is always good to start the season like this.”
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