Chelsea vs Aston Villa: Five talking points

Mata doesn’t look too comfortable; Hazard holds the key

Juan Mata was out of sorts all night

One of the key personnel for Chelsea last season and their most creative spark, ahead of Hazard, Juan Mata was looking out of touch throughout the match. Beginning with reports of Mourinho willing to sell the Spaniard, to a place on the bench in the pre-season friendlies, running into the first game, Mata seems to not befit Mourinho’s plans.

Mata was handed a start in the second game of the season against Villa. But the talisman looked nowhere near his best and was almost anonymous for most of the first half. As a result, Mouinho decided to swap him around the hour mark and to put it bluntly- Mata didn’t look to happy, on or off the field.

What Manchester United is to Rooney, Chelsea is to Mata – at least it seems.

Now, with Mata not looking at his best and the new signings yet to settle in, Hazard will definitely hold the key for Blues if they are to go all the way this season.

Hazard holds a pivotal position in the midfield, exchanging places with Oscar in the center time and again. Being the fulcrum of the side, Hazard can twist the game in either way and he’s well on his way.