Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown believes Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri must demand more from Eden Hazard.

The Belgian international’s form has dropped in recent weeks and Keown believes the Blues boss must set exacting standards for the club’s best player:

“When Eden Hazard is on it, I do not believe there is a defender in world football who could live with him. Hazard is without a goal in 11 games for club and country. When such a brilliant player has a dip in form like this, it is up to the manager to push him.”

“Maurizio Sarri needs to demand more from him and let him know in no uncertain terms that Chelsea are reliant on him.”

It’s certainly the case that injury has played a role in Hazard’s dip in performances over the last few matches. The 27-year-old suffered a back injury during the match against Manchester United and missed subsequent games against BATE Borisov, Burnley and Derby.

The goals may have dried up recently but the playmaker has still provided three assists in his last five Premier League games so Keown’s criticism of the player is pretty harsh. It is no coincidence, however, that Chelsea’s results have dropped off slightly along with the Belgian’s performances.

Hazard is unstoppable when playing at his best and Sarri will no doubt be hoping he can return to that level when Chelsea face Manchester City this evening.