Eden Hazard scores a hat-trick as Chelsea cruise past Cardiff City

The newly promoted visitors took the lead when Joe Ralls' free-kick was headed by captain Sean Morrison into the path of Sol Bamba, who volleyed home.

However, Hazard scored twice in seven minutes before half-time to send Chelsea in on top.

The Belgium international scored his third with a late penalty after Bamba brought down Willian, who added the Blues' fourth from long range.

Victory means Chelsea have started a top-flight season with five successive wins for the fourth time, and first since 2010.

For Cardiff, defeat extends their winless run to six games, their worst spell since Neil Warnock was appointed manager in October 2016.