EDEN HAZARD admitted he was merely a bystander as pass-masters Manchester City gave Chelsea the runaround at the Etihad.
Pep Guardiola’s champions-in-waiting racked up a Premier League record 902 successful passes as they moved 18 points clear at the top with a 1-0 win.
Ilkay Gundogan alone notched 167 of those — another Prem high — as the visitors were simply left chasing shadows.
Chelsea dangerman Hazard barely touched the ball as he was left isolated up front on Sunday.
The Belgian said: “When you leave the pitch you have the impression that you’ve ran, but that you haven’t played a game of football. That’s a pity.
“We could have played on for three hours and I wouldn’t touch a ball.”
Antonio Conte’s defending champs did not force City keeper Ederson into a single save — a couple of late efforts off target was all they offered.
The Chelsea boss was in no mood to apologise afterwards, saying the ultra-cautious approach had been his plan.
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