On Sunday, against Manchester City, Eden Hazard cut a very isolated figure.
Asked to play as a false number nine again, the Belgian international looked a forlorn character as the game passed him by.
With Chelsea intent on stifling Manchester City and content to pass the ball, on many an occasion, in a backwards direction, Hazard looked exasperated when any balls played forward either sailed over his head or were so wayward he was never going to be able to engineer an opportunity to make an impact on the game.
Indeed, when Antonio Conte decided, with time running out, to shuffle his pack, it was, once again, Eden Hazard that made the long walk.
But, on leaving the pitch, there was no smile from Hazard, just a steely glare towards Conte with Hazard, seemingly, miffed at having played a part in a game-plan that was alien to his beliefs.
Today, the inference is given that what occurred at the Etihad Stadium, on Sunday, could have ramifications.
With Chelsea looking to extend Hazard`s deal, the good folk of the Daily Mail are reporting that Hazard is stalling over signing a new contract at Stamford Bridge.
Our referenced source is championing the suggestion that Hazard won`t put pen-to-paper on a new deal if there is the slightest chance that Real Madrid will make a move for him.
Could Sunday have been, as they say, the straw that broke the camels` back?
It remains to be seen but I fear, despite professing his love for Chelsea, this will be his last season in our famous blue shirt!
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