Frank Lampard’s high-flying Chelsea side have temporarily moved into second place on the Premier League table after they dispatched the visiting Crystal Palace by a 2-0 scoreline. Goals from the league’s top scorer Tammy Abraham and fan-favourite Christian Pulisic were enough to edge the tie in the Blues’ favour. To Chelsea’s credit, they didn’t allow Palace a whiff at goal for the entire ninety minutes, and Kepa was the most bored man in the stadium for most parts.
Here are the Chelsea player ratings:
Kepa Arizzabalaga – 6
The Spaniard was a spectator for the first 86 minutes of this fixture because that’s when Palace managed their first shot on target. Had a couple of scary moments with the ball at his feet.
Reece James – 8
Azpilicueta’s place in the Chelsea squad is now under question, and he certainly won’t find it easy to get back in, if James keeps on playing like this. Quite literally pocketed Wilfried Zaha the whole night.
Kurt Zouma – 7.5
If the word ‘dominance’ had to be personified, Kurt Zouma would be an ideal candidate for the job. His strength and physicality made Chelsea impossible to break down on the night.
Fikayo Tomori – 7
The youngster could be the one who misses out once Rudiger returns to fitness, but he’s doing everything in his power to retain his place in Lampard’s Chelsea setup.
Emerson – 7
Undoubtedly an upgrade on Marcos Alonso, the Italian international linked up well with Kovacic and Pulisic on the Chelsea left and played in a couple of decent crosses as well.
N’Golo Kante – 6.5
The Frenchman didn’t have his usual influence in the middle of the park, but he tracked back on every possible opportunity – something Jorginho and Kovacic just couldn’t manage.
Mateo Kovacic – 7.5
Another day, another stellar Mateo Kovacic display. He controlled the midfield and ensured that Palace got no opportunities to run at the Blues’ backline. Played a big part in their opener as well.
Willian – 7.5
The Brazilian occupancy of the number ten shirt at Chelsea seems to have added new life into his career. Working tirelessly, the veteran pulled off an audacious flick to put Abraham through on goal.
Mason Mount – 6
The young Englishman was clearly not at full fitness, owing to the knock he picked up in midweek. Despite this, he toiled hard and helped out in defence as well. He’s had better evenings this season though.
Christian Pulisic – 8
The American was Chelsea’s most dangerous player for most parts of the game, and he did very well to get in and score the insurance goal as well. He’s slowly becoming a fan-favourite at the Bridge. Eden Hazard who?
Tammy Abraham – 7
The English striker went into double figures for the season, after scoring his tenth goal of the league campaign. With a majority of the season still ahead of us, it’s safe to assume that Abraham is the striker the Blues have been waiting for a long time.
Substitutes
Michy Batshuayi – 7
The Belgian held the ball up well and drove forward on every opportunity he received. It was his deflected shot that fell for Pulisic to tuck home in the final stages.
Callum Hudson-Odoi – NA
Didn’t have the time to make an impact.
Billy Gilmour – NA
Didn’t have the time to make an impact.
