Frank Lampard’s Chelsea side temporarily climbed into third place on the Premier League table tonight after a hard-fought 3-2 victory against London rivals Crystal Palace. The Blues took a two-goal lead early in the first half but were shellshocked by a stunning strike by Wilfried Zaha. Second-half substitute Tammy Abraham fired in the Pensioners’ third before Christian Benteke immediately returned the favour with a tap-in. The Chelsea defence seemed to lose their concentration in the final stages of the tie, and they were perhaps fortunate that the Eagles weren’t able to take advantage of one of their multiple late chances.
Here Are The Chelsea Player Ratings Vs Crystal Palace:
Chelsea Player Ratings Vs Crystal Palace
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 5.5
The Spanish stopper should’ve arguably dealt with the Zaha shot a little better on the night, but he did make a couple of smart saves over the course of the tie. Looked to play the ball out quickly.
Reece James – 6.5
The youngster had a much tougher time than the reverse fixture, where he absolutely dominated Zaha down the right. Played in multiple curling balls into the Palace box as well.
Andreas Christensen – 6.5
The Dane was solid for the most part but did lose a few headers to the massive Christian Benteke. Composed with the ball at his feet and had the vision to pick out some good forward passes.
Kurt Zouma – 7
The French giants had another thorough performance in the heart of the defence for Lampard’s side, as he dominated aerially. Made a stunning challenge in the final seconds to deny a surefire goal.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 6.5
The skipper didn’t have the most influential of outings going forward, as the Palace wingers kept rotating and made life difficult on the cover. Won the ball back in some advanced areas though.
Billy Gilmour – 7
The youngster started off looking a little of the pace of the game, but he gradually eased his way back into the mix of things. Calm in possession, defended well and played multiple great balls into space.
Ross Barkley – 7
The Englishman was right at the middle of everything positive that this Chelsea team did tonight, and was perhaps unfortunate to get taken off. Linked the play up well and looked dangerous.
Mason Mount – 7.5
Mount put in a brilliant display in midfield tonight as he ran the show with his deft movements and passing. Showed a couple of great turns in the first half and was aggressive off the ball.
Willian – 6
The Brazilian didn’t have the impact he might’ve been hoping for in the final third tonight. Over-hit a couple of corners in the first half and didn’t display his usual cutting edge while going forward.
Olivier Giroud – 7
The Frenchman held the ball up superbly all through the fixture and did well to place it past Guaita for the Blues’ opener. Worked hard out of possession, but missed a glorious headed chance.
Christian Pulisic – 7
The American looked sharp in the possession and tried to take on the Palace defenders on every opportunity. Fizzled out in the second half, but scored with great aplomb to double Chelsea’s lead early on.
Substitutes
Tammy Abraham – 6.5
The Englishman displayed a decent standard of hold-up play after coming on and showed fantastic precision to finish off his chance. Did have another similar opportunity that he wasted though.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 7
The midfielder came on and triggered a better degree of passing composure in the middle of the park. Played a cute ball into Abraham for the Blues’ third goal on the night.
Jorginho – NA
Controlled the tempo of the game, but came on too late to have any sort of real impact.
