Who needs Diego Costa?! Hazard can also conquer the Premier League for Chelsea

Antonio Conte faced his first Premier League game without Diego Costa on Boxing Day, but Eden Hazard came in and filled the void brilliantly as he produced one of his best ever displays at Stamford Bridge. 

Hazard was the man of the match, scored and was dominant on the pitch as Chelsea ran out 3-0 victors to stretch their winning sequence to 12 - their best run in the league. 

The Blues, for now, are nine points clear and chasing Arsenal's 'Invincibles' all-time record of 14 successive wins, with Conte mastering his squad rotation to cover for Costa and N'Golo Kante, who were both suspended. 

Many thought Michy Batshuayi might earn his first league start against Bournemouth, but Conte's selection was vindicated as Pedro and Hazard both scored and looked dangerous throughout, successfully replacing Costa's firepower which has led to 13 goals in 17 games for the Spain international. 

Hazard stole the show in Costa's absence as he dazzled with stunning runs, turns and shots throughout the 90 minutes. His driving run was a nightmare for Simon Francis who ultimately fouled Hazard to give his opponent an opportunity from the penalty spot to make it 2-0, with Pedro scoring either side of the Belgian's goal.

Francis, from that point, was terrified to close down Hazard, who used Costa's absence to play in a free role where he often dropped deep to find space as he produced an entertaining display in front of 41,384 fans. 

Bournemouth created a host of their own chances as they found ways to attack Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, but they were punished for their adventure by Hazard who found the opportunity to even attempt a rabona shot in the 28th minute. 

Chelsea and Hazard appear to be walking on clouds as Conte's tactical consistency and man management has brought confidence back quicker than expected to west London. 

After his display today, Hazard's 356 days without a goal last year seems unfathomable and he got his ninth goal of the season against Bournemouth which, in turn, was his 50th Premier League goal for Chelsea.

Conte has a lot to smile about with Cesc Fabregas coming in and playing well in the absence of Kante, and their defence getting their fourth clean sheet in a row, but Hazard stole the show. Pedro was fantastic up front too and his wonderful finish was key for Chelsea in the 24th minute.

Pedro is clinical at home and has contributed to more goals than any other player in front of his own fans, with five goals and five assists. 

Eddie Howe got his Christmas wish, a suspension for Costa, but Hazard played the role of a Christmas Grinch as he became a flat-track bully against a lesser team.

Hazard can play in the middle, on the left or on the right for Chelsea, but the important thing is that he has the freedom to express himself. Conte has given him that and he now has wing-backs and central midfielders to track people back for him. 

It means Chelsea are becoming an unstoppable unit - even without Costa.