Chelsea’s Cesar Azpiliceuta has claimed that the Newcastle United players picked on Eden Hazard during the weekend’s victory at St James Park.

Hazard was on the scoresheet as the Blues edged a tight affair on Tyneside – winning 2-1 to record their third consecutive victory in the top flight this season.

But the Belgian playmaker was given a tough afternoon by Rafael Benitez’s men, and was on the end of numerous heavily challenges, in-particular from both Matt Ritchie and Mohamed Diame.

While Hazard had the last laugh however, Azpilicueta was not happy with the treatment of his team-mate from the Newcastle players.

“When know that all the defenders they try to get in really tight,” the Spaniard said.

“The only thing we can do is ask the referee to take part of that because you know today how many fouls he had on him.

“Obviously it is difficult but he has shown great quality, great character and obviously he is a very important player for us.”

Hazard himself has also commented on his treatment at the hands of the Magpies on Sunday, but the 27-year-old insists such behaviour from opponents, whoever they are, will not deter him from giving his all each weekend.

He said: “It’s the Premier League! It is always like this, every weekend is the same,” he said.

“But I’m not complaining. I try to do my job and when you have the ball, you get kicked so no complaints. Just try to play better.”