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Chelsea analysis: Radja Nainggolan is the one that got away as Antonio Conte endures more dissent from David Luiz

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Getty Images

Eden Hazard scored twice as Chelsea battled to a 3-3 draw with Roma to stay top of Champions League Group C.

Chelsea had surrendered a two-goal lead to trail 3-2 with 20 minutes remaining after former Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko's quick-fire double.

But Hazard headed in to prevent Antonio Conte's side slipping to a third straight loss for the first time under the Italian's stewardship.

Hazard's first goal of the season followed David Luiz's opener but Aleksandar Kolarov halved the deficit before Dzeko's delightful volley and free header within seven second-half minutes.

Chelsea were second best, but Hazard headed in Pedro's cross to give the Blues seven points ahead of the trip to the Eternal City on October 31.

Simon Johnson assesses the key points at Stamford Bridge...

Nainggolan proves why Conte wanted him so much

(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Conte was desperate to make the Belgium international one of his first signings for Chelsea last summer and tonight the home fans got to see what all the fuss is about.

His Mohican haircut was not the only thing that caught their attention as he helped Roma cause the home side a number of problems.

In Conte's pre-match press conference, the Italian hailed Nainggolan as one of the best midfielders in the game.

The 29-year-old was certainly one of the best on show here, giving the men in blue the runaround with his clever movement.

As captain of the visitors, Nainggolan was leading by example, urging his team-mates forward.

He should have got on the scoresheet too, but fellow Belgian Thibaut Courtois made a fine save in the first half.

Azpilicueta's defensive form continues to be a concern

(Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
(Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Azpilicueta has been mr consistent for so long in a Chelsea shirt that any form of dip was always going to stand out.

There has been nothing wrong with his attacking play. Azpilicueta has provided a number of assists for Alvaro Morata already.

But since pre-season, the Spain international has been unusually exposed in defensive positions.

And for the second time in the space of five days, he played a part for all the wrong reasons.

On Saturday, he allowed Wilfried Zaha to run past him to score the winner all too easily and it was a similar story here.

It was arguably worse as Aleksandar Kolarov pushed the ball past him, beat the Spaniard for pace and then found the net. All too simple.

Chelsea need him to get back to his usual standards if they are to get back to their resilient best again.

Luiz shows sign of dissent toward Conte

cherom181017j.jpg, by Alex Young
cherom181017j.jpg, by Alex Young

It is never a good sign when a player publicly protests a manager's decision to take him off.

On Saturday Michy Batshuayi showed his disgust when he was substituted in the second half and this time it was Luiz.

The Brazil international did appear to pick up a knock in the first half and maybe that was why Conte did it.

But Luiz made a point of going on a surging run just before the board was held up by the fourth official.

The 30-year-old had already gestured angrily when he realised that he was the one going to be replaced moments before. Then there was more words aimed in Conte's direction as he walked off.

These things happen in the heat of the moment in football all of the time, but it will always lead some to speculate that all is not well in the camp, especially when results are not going well.

Hazard the biggest positive

(Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
(Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

The consensus in the game is that Hazard is Chelsea's best player and a lot of their hopes for the season rest on his shoulders.

A fracture to his right ankle suffered in June meant he missed the start of the campaign and has been playing catch up ever since.

Hazard is still not at his peak, but each week he is getting fitter and better.

This evening he found the scoresheet for the first time this term and it saved Chelsea from a third consecutive defeat.

Both chances were cooly dispatched, the equaliser with 15 minutes to go was all the more impressive given what was at stake.

Conte will hope that this will give Hazard the confidence he needs to take his game to the highest level once again.