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Antonio Conte: This is the real reason I subbed Eden Hazard against Arsenal
ANTONIO CONTE has revealed why he decided to take Eden Hazard off in Chelsea's win over Arsenal.
Antonio Conte explains why he took Eden Hazard off
Chelsea beat London rivals Arsenal 3-1 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, in which Hazard scored a sensational solo goal in the second half.
Hazard, who suffered a minor hamstring injury against Leicester last month, was substituted with five minutes to go against the Gunners.
Eden Hazard scored a stunning solo goal against Arsenal
And Conte insists he took Hazard off so the Belgium international could soak up the Chelsea fans' applause, rather than a tactical change.
The Chelsea manager said: "When I make a substitution it’s always for a reason.
"In the last game I wanted him to get great applause from the fans because he deserved this for the game that he played, not only with the ball but also without the ball.
“But sometimes I try to preserve some of the players, sometimes there is a tactical choice.”
The win moved the Blues 12 points clear of the Gunners, who sit third, and Conte’s men now face a difficult trip to Burnley on Sunday (1.30pm).