Gunners’ fans chanted ’Boring, boring Chelsea’ as the visitors closed out the game to take a point – but Hazard has spent the season getting supporters out of their seats for the right reasons.

And, as he closes in on his first title in England, the Belgium international believes Chelsea’s collective success led to his individual accolade.

“We are almost champions, maybe this is the key,” said Hazard. “Last season we finished third and this season we have an opportunity to win the league. This has changed from last season.

“I continue like I did last season – I try to be the same. I try to score more goals than last season. Personally I have played a good season, I have been there in the big games and I scored a lot of important goals, this is why I’m better this season.”

Hazard picked up the young player award 12 months ago but it was Tottenham and England forward Harry Kane who collected that gong on Sunday evening.

The 30-goal striker was delighted with the achievement following a meteoric rise which led to him scoring 79 seconds into his England debut last month.

Asked to sum up his season in one word, Kane said: “Unreal.”

“It is amazing,” he added of his prize. “It is a very proud moment for myself and my family – hopefully the first of many to come.

“I have got to keep working hard, but to be recognised by your fellow players is something special and it is a night I won’t forget.

“It is incredible, an incredible feeling.”

The duo were joined in the Premier League team of the year by five of Hazard’s Chelsea colleagues as Branislav Ivanovic, John Terry, Gary Cahill, Nemanja Matic and Diego Costa were chosen.

Also included was Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea, Southampton’s Ryan Bertrand, Philippe Coutinho of Liverpool and Arsenal talisman Alexis Sanchez.

Former England team-mates Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard were joint-recipients of the Merit Award with both due to leave for Major League Soccer next month.