Chelsea’s attacking player Eden Hazard has been awarded the PFA fans’ Player of the Month, beating off competition from Theo Walcott, Dele Alli, Joe Allen, Charlie Austin and Callum Wilson - who were nominated for the award, to win the honour with over 13000 votes more than Theo Walcott who came in a distant second.
Hazard netted three goals this month with an assist to his name taking Chelsea to just a point off leaders Man City and Arsenal who are joint top of the league. Hazard’s splendid performances in the thrashings of Leicester and United to add to a composed display at Saint Mary’s at the weekend earned the Chelsea superstar the fans’ award for the month.
The poll saw over 61000 votes cast, with Hazard getting an enormous 27262 votes followed by Theo Walcott in second with 14737 votes, narrowly ahead of Stoke City midfielder Joe Allen in third with 14491 votes. Completing the top six were Dele Alli with 2012 votes in fourth, Charlie Austin bagging 1,996 votes and Callum Wilson earning 1,073 votes.
The Belgian playmaker followed up Tottenham's Heung-min Son, who won the award in September after his outstanding displays, by being named as the best player in October thanks to his brilliant form in front of goal for Antonio Conte's team.
The six nominations made by a panel consisting of Sky Sports pundits including former Arsenal player Paul Merson, former Blackpool manager Ian Holloway, former Everton player Peter Beagrie, Mike Riley - director-general of the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMA), and Malcolm Clarke - Chairman of the Football Supporters' Federation.
Hazard had a bitter previous campaign with Chelsea under Mourinho and was ostracized by the press and pundits for his displays. However, since the arrival of Antonio Conte Hazard's confidence and morale have been boosted with the Italian manager at the helm.
Eden Hazard has had a beautiful start to the campaign notching up a total of five goals and two assists in the Premier League in 10 games.
Also read: EPL 201617: France Football explain why Eden Hazard was left out of the Ballon d'Or shortlist
Since Conte moved to a back three, Chelsea have picked up nine points in their last three outings in the league and currently sit in fourth place behind Liverpool. Just a point off the leaders, Hazard and Conte will be eager to continue their superb work into the winter months of this pulsating Premier League season.
Chelsea face a tricky home encounter against a high-flying Everton side rejuvenated by the arrival of Ronald Koeman at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
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