Chelsea kept the pressure on Manchester City and Liverpool by securing a comfortable 3-1 win over Crystal Palace. What would have pleased the Blues faithful and Maurizio Sarri the most was that Alvaro Morata scored a brace and that should do his confidence a world of good. Chelsea struggled to unlock Palace’s defence in the first half hour, but they scored with their first shot on target when Morata finished well after decent play from his countryman Pedro.
Crystal Palace levelled the game in the second half when Andros Townsend played a good one-two and slotted the ball past Kepa to bring the Eagles back in the game. Chelsea though responded with two quick goals to put the tie to bed and ensured their fourth win on the trot for Sarri in all competitions.
Here is how the Pensioners fared at Stamford Bridge.
Kepa Arrizabalaga 6.5
Couldn’t have done much for the goal he conceded. Was hardly tested apart from that. Distributed the ball well and launched some excellent attacks.
Antonio Rudiger 6
Was solid for the most parts of the game but Wilfried Zaha did get the better of him on some occasions. His distribution from the back continues to be an asset for the Blues.
David Luiz 6
Can be blamed for the goal which Palace scored as he was slightly out of position. But apart from that, the Brazilian did a fine job and made some excellent blocks.
Cesar Azpilicueta 5.5
Quite a few of Palace’s attacks were coming from his side as Zaha was playing down the left. It was clear that he was having an uncomfortable game but did enough at the end of the day to secure the three points for his side.
Marcos Alonso 7
One of the brightest player in the first half as he was a constant menace up the pitch. Was often getting into great positions but his team-mates failed to bring him into play. Assisted the third goal with a pin-point cross.
Ngolo Kante 6
Sarri has been deploying the Frenchman in a more offensive role, but it’s clear that isn’t exactly Kante’s forte as his passing was sloppy and he wasn’t able to link up play well. However, his defensive work was top class, and the World Cup winner kept Zaha under check for the most parts of the second half.
Jorginho 6
The Eagles were wary of the threat that Jorginho carries, and they didn’t allow him too much time on the ball. The Italian wasn’t as influential as he can usually be as Palace were closing him down quickly. Overall an okayish game.
Ross Barkley 4.5
Was a passenger for the most parts of the game and didn’t look lively like he usually does. His passing was also all over the place, especially in the first half.
Willian 6
Nothing too spectacular but nothing too awful from the Brazilain. His set-piece deliveries were the best part about his game today.
Pedro 7
Scored the third goal with a smart finish. Worked hard throughout the game and was a constant threat in the attacking third.
Alvaro Morata 8
This is what Chelsea paid the big bucks for this former Real Madrid striker. Seems to be getting back to his best as he was clinical in front of goal and got a well-deserved brace.
Substitutes
Eden Hazard 7
As soon as he came on, he got an assist to his name, and that shows how much the Blues are dependent on him in the attacking third.
Mateo Kovacic 6.5
Worked hard while tracking back and was decent on the ball.
Cesc Fabregas N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
