Chelsea Star Eden Hazard Thanks Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa for Making His Job Easier

Chelsea star Eden Hazard has paid tribute to Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas, believing the arrival of the duo will allow him to take his game to new levels this season.

Jose Mourinho's side cruised to a 2-0 win over Arsenal on Sunday 5 October to open up a commanding five point advantage over second-placed Manchester City, with Hazard playing an integral role in the victory.

The club's lack of firepower last season saw much of the goal-scoring responsibility laid at the feet of Hazard, something that saw the 23-year-old become a marked man in the Premier League.

But following the arrivals of former Arsenal skipper Fabregas and Costa, the latter who leads the goal-scoring charts with nine in seven league games, Hazard feels he now has more room to operate at his creative best, a worrying development for clubs looking to quell Chelsea's Premier League title charge.

"It is different to last season," Hazard told Sky Sports. "I have a lot of freedom now because I remember last season a lot of games one, two or three players were against me, and now it is different because they have to take Costa or Fabregas, not just me.

"If I want to be one of the best I need to be in one of the best teams. I need help, I need a good team and that is what I have here."

Hazard resisted interest from Paris Saint-Germain during the summer transfer window and claimed he is poised to sign a new long-term deal at Stamford Bridge. His long-term future in west London has been strengthened by a healthy relationship with Mourinho, which he describes as better than ever.

"I'm in one of the best clubs in the world and I can with every trophy because we have a very strong team. I don't want to leave," Hazard said.

"Last season I did some mistakes but we [Hazard and Mourinho] are friends. Not only for the football but outside the pitch we speak together and he gives me a lot of confidence, and it is always a pleasure to play for him."