Chelsea fired themselves back to the top of the Premier League after thumping Newcastle United 3-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon, with all three goals coming from top scorer Eden Hazard.

The Belgium international put the hosts in front on twenty-seven minutes, before doubling their advantage seven minutes later.

Hazard was then given the chance to complete his hat-trick just after the hour mark, which he duly took to put the result beyond doubt.

Mohammed Salah was introduced late on to make his debut and almost added a fourth, but 3-0 is how it stayed, giving Jose Mourinho’s men a vital three points in the race for the title.

With Arsenal having been beaten 5-1 at Liverpool earlier in the day, and Manchester City only managing a goalless draw at Norwich City, the Blues leapt from third to first place ahead of tomorrow evening’s trip to West Bromwich Albion.

Bookmakers have now installed Chelsea as favourites to lift the Premier League trophy, ahead of Manchester City and Arsenal.

City, who face the Blues in the fifth round of the FA Cup next weekend, host Sunderland on Wednesday evening, while Arsenal welcome reigning champions Manchester United to the Emirates on the same evening.