Hazard: I have no problem with Mourinho

Chelsea’s campaign has so far been marked by the loss of form of a number of key players and reports of dressing room unrest.

Costa ended a six-match barren spell, prompting chants of “we are staying up” and “Jose Mourinho”, as the Barclays Premier League champions secured a fourth win in their 13th Barclays Premier League game of the season to edge away from the foot of the table. Against Norwich it was the same.

“We spoke together before the Stoke game”.

The discussion is something which shows their relationship is good, contrary to rumours suggesting Hazard was angling for a move to Real Madrid, a subject which was off the agenda.

“I heard a lot of things about this, but no, everything is good with him”, Hazard added.

Costa has been involved in several confrontations with opposing defenders this season after clashing with Arsenal duo Gabriel and Laurent Koscielny in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Arsenal in September and coming together with Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross before the worldwide break.

‘I didn’t start the season well, I know that, ‘ said the 24-year-old Belgian, who is still waiting for his first goal of the season for his club.

But with the gap to the top four growing ever wider, Mourinho knew his side must quickly resolve the problems at both ends of the pitch that have contributed to their demise this season.

“Then you reflect on the overall score being 1-0, and we go back with nothing”.

The manager said: “I will not ask for any changes”.

On Belgium, he said: “It has been hard”. But, for the security, it was better to cancel the game. Captain Russell Martin is available again following a one-game suspension, but winger Matt Jarvis, on loan from West Ham, remains sidelined with a knee injury. Hazard’s drop in form is similar to that of Matic, who is also under pressure to improve or be sold on. “Everything is connected. When you are full of confidence it’s not just about goals you have fluency in your decisions, you choose well”.

He missed two clear chances, one thanks to a fine save from Canaries goalkeeper John Ruddy. Here, Costa converted Cesc Fabregas’ quick free-kick for just his fourth goal of the season and first since last month’s defeat of Aston Villa.

Bassong said: “My mum lives there”. My brother called me and told me to look on the news.

“I couldn’t wait for it all to be over”. I was shocked and watching like everyone else thinking “s**t this is serious”.

“By playing football I’m an ambassador for my family”.

While they should face part of the blame, it isn’t entirely their fault as the defending champions as a whole appear to be missing the focus and motivation to win back-to-back titles.