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Chelsea attacker Eden Hazard has refused to be critical of the referee following the Blues’ hard-fought 2-1 win over Newcastle United at St James Park. The Belgium international was regularly fouled by the Magpies during the course of the Premier League outing but the referee kept the cards in his pockets until the backend of the game.

As such, standing captain Cesar Azpilicueta had questioned the referee’s decisions but Hazard did not have similar complaints after the Blues continued their perfect start to the season, he said: “The Premier League is always like this – every weekend is the same. But I’m not complaining, I try to do my job and when you have the ball, you get kicked, so no complaints. You just try to play better. I felt tired after the game but, at the end, I was happy with the result and the goal.”

Chelsea were a club in transition over the summer and it seemed at one stage they were in danger of breaking up, with their star players looking to make a quick exit from Stamford Bridge. No one was quite sure what would be happening with Antonio Conte, either, with rumours of an exit hovering over the club for the duration of the World Cup.

Proceedings did move fast, however, once the Italian left the Blues on July 13th and it was only 24 hours later that Sarri was named the new head coach. There was the odd hiccup to come still, with a wanatway Courtois making it abundantly clear he fancied a move to Real Madrid, which would come about on August 9th.

Whether Chelsea are willing to let Belgium number one Thibaut Courtois depart Stamford Bridge for Real Madrid or risk losing him on a free come next summer when his contract expires, he will leave some big gloves to fill.

The goalie, who missed training with days to go before the Premier League transfer window shuts, has already won league titles in his homeland, on loan in Spain with Real's city rivals Atletico Madrid and England during what has been a glittering career to date.

Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has aimed a dig at manager Antonio Conte after failing to earn the trust of the Italian. The 22-year-old enjoyed a fruitful loan spell with Crystal Palace which has earned him a spot in the England World Cup squad but his return with Chelsea nevertheless remains uncertain beyond the summer.

Speaking to reporters, Loftus-Cheek admitted that he was surprised at the lack of faith from Antonio Conte, given he has earned praise under Roy Hodgson and Gareth Southgate with Palace and England respectively, he said: “It's been so difficult to go from playing every game then get to the seniors and not be given a chance. It's really difficult mentally, there's only so long you just enjoy training with top players.

Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera has suggested that Eden Hazard remains the best player in the Premier League despite the goalscoring exploits of Mohamed Salah this campaign. The Belgium international has contributed 16 goals and 10 assists this term and he could play a defining role when they the Blues contest United in the FA Cup final this weekend.

Speaking on The Big Interview with Graham Hunter, Herrera admitted that Hazard is still the best outfield player in the top-flight and he has not changed his opinion since arriving at Old Trafford, he said: “For me, Hazard is the best player in the league. In my opinion he’s the best player in the league, I’ve said that since my first day here.”