Half-Time Report: Eden Hazard brace puts Chelsea in front

Chelsea are leading Newcastle United 2-0 at half time at Stamford Bridge thanks to a double from Eden Hazard.

Hazard scored his 12th goal of the season shortly before the half-hour mark when he exchanged passes with Branislav Ivanovic before slotting past Tim Krul.

Hatem Ben Arfa has caused a few problems for the home side and the French winger was denied by Petr Cech in the Chelsea goal after he jinked inside Cesar Azpilicueta.

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Moussa Sissoko wasted a great chance for the Magpies when his heavy touch took him too close to Cech on 34 minutes.

Moments later, Hazard added his second of the afternoon when he guided an effort inside the far post following an incisive counter-attack from Jose Mourinho's side featuring Willian and Samuel Eto'o.

The Belgium international wasted a chance of a first-half hat-trick when he fired over towards the end of the half on the edge of the box.