Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho admitted that he dropped Eden Hazard for the club's 2-0 win against Aston Villa to stop his side from conceding so many goals.
The Belgian international was voted PFA Player of the Year last season but Mourinho believes that Willian and Pedro gave him much more defensive cover than the 24-year-old.
The Portuguese man told reporters: "I left out Hazard because we are conceding lots of goals. Willian and Pedro did amazing defensive work.
"It was just a tactical decision, hoping the team would be more solid. I told the players this is not a moment to think about themselves or their personal situation, it is a moment for the team.
"Today we were able to find the ingredient you need when you are not playing at your top level."
Chelsea rise to 12th in the Premier League table after winning their third game of the season.
Written by
Nathan Staples
Nathan Staples
