Chelsea star Eden Hazard has admitted that the team needs to work harder defensively if they are to prevent free-scoring Liverpool from earning a result at Stamford Bridge on Friday.
Chelsea allowed Swansea City to come from a goal behind to lead 2-1 in their last Premier League match while also letting both West Ham and Watford into positions that could have jeopardised victories for The Blues.
The match against Liverpool is likely to see the birth of a new partnership between Gary Cahill and David Luiz under Antonio Conte, as John Terry is out with an ankle injury.
“We have had three games, three wins [before the draw with Swansea],” Hazard said. “We played some good stuff. We scored goals. But also conceded them. Apart from before the international break [in their 3-0 win over Burnley], we have conceded goals.
“We have always conceded one or two goals, which is a shame. It’s up to us to work harder defensively, to be more solid, and to score more goals to put on more of a show and win matches.”
Chelsea’s 3-0 victory over Burnley brought about their only clean sheet of the season so far.
Despite his side picking up 12 points from their first four matches Conte will be less than content with Chelsea’s early defensive record, as his previous teams have been characteristically unforgiving at the back.
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