Crystal Palace 0-1 Chelsea: 5 Talking Points & Tactical Analysis | Premier League 2018-19

#4 Palace shift to a 4-2-1-3 but lack quality in the final third

Not a good day at the office for Zaha

The introduction of Connor Wickham, who has endured over four serious injuries in the past couple of years, meant that the hosts would shift to a front three, with McArthur playing on the shoulders of the front line.

The tactical tweak saw Zaha operate from his favoured left side, while Townsend was sent wider down the right. Wickham led the line for the final 20 minutes or so.

However, they did not manage to trouble the Chelsea back line at all. Zaha and co. were very slow and flat-footed with their approach. The Blues certainly had the quicker legs as they assembled in numbers to retain their defensive shape.

A late surge did get the home fans on their feet, but the lack of a killer pass proved to be their nemesis. Many would argue that they showed too much respect to Chelsea.