Chelsea manager, Maurizio Sarri, has expressed hope that victory on penalties over Tottenham to reach the Carabao Cup final, can prove a turning point in his first season in charge.
Sarri had questioned the mental strength of his squad in the wake of a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal on Saturday.
And the Italian got the response he desired against an injury-ravaged Spurs.
First-half goals from N’Golo Kante and Hazard handed Chelsea a 2-1 win on the night, to overturn a 1-0 first leg deficit.
And the hosts prevailed 4-2 in the shootout at Stamford Bridge, to set up a final meeting with holders Manchester City on February 24.
“I think that in the last three or four matches we had a problem. One problem was the motivation and the other problem was the players stopped having fun on the pitch.
“Now with the performance and the result we can find enthusiasm again,” Sarri said afterwards.
Speaking on Hazard’s performance, the Italian added: “He played a fantastic, wonderful match.
“I think in this match we played with another mind, another motivation, another determination. I think his qualities are more important than the position.”
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