Chelsea tightened their grip on top spot in the Premier League as they overcame London rivals Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park thanks to a well-taken goal from Diego Costa on the stroke of half-time.
Alan Pardew’s men were looking to bounce back from their narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of a resurgent Manchester United, but Antonio Conte’s men proved too wily for them as Costa snatched his 13th goal of the campaign.
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For long periods, the hosts soaked up the pressure of the Blues’ possession game, although they did create their fair share of chances along the way. In the end, though, the league leaders managed to come away with all three points to keep their winning run extended to 11 matches.
Let’s take a look at how each player fared – have your say in the comments section.
Crystal Palace
Wayne Hennessey – 6.5/10
Couldn’t do a huge amount to stop Diego Costa from opening the scoring at the denouement of the first half, and was let down by his defenders at times. Performed well throughout, even stopping a well-struck N’Golo Kante effort at the beginning of the second half.
Joel Ward – 4
Had a bit of a shocker in all honesty. Looked out of place at the back and gave away a free kick he was fortunate to see David Luiz waste in the first half. Didn’t cover himself in glory at all, and to top it all off he got booked, too.
Scott Dann – 4.5
Was a bystander as Diego Costa nodded Chelsea in front. He opted not to jump as the Spain international leapt to score the only goal of the game and for that he should hang his head. Ultimately. it cost his side the game and allowed the Blues to take a nine-point lead at the summit for now.
Damien Delaney – 5
The Republic of Ireland international didn’t have the best time and will be disappointed he was drawn into a fight against players like Eden Hazard who he could not cop with.
Martin Kelly – 7.5
One of Palace’s outstanding players. His availability on the right flank allowed the Eagles to get forward every now and again. He whipped in several teasing crosses and although his influence waned following the restart, his early persistence and influence deserve to be applauded. The fans will be crying out for more of the same next time around.
Wilfried Zaha – 6
Buoyed by his impressive recent performances, Zaha should have been an outstanding player for Palace again, but aside from a few positive take-ons and dribbles here and there, he didn’t produce much of note. Clearly a talented boy, it would be nice to see him produce it more regularly instead of in flashes as he did on Saturday.
Yohan Cabaye – 7
Played really well and saw plenty of the ball. His passing was instrumental in giving the home side time to craft chances, spread the play wide and get moving forward. His passion was visible for all to see, but it proved fruitless in the end. Was hauled off in the 80th minute.
James McArthur – 5
Following on from his strike against Manchester United during the week McArthur was clearly in the mood to score against another big name, but he found himself up against a resilient Chelsea rearguard. He could have netted in the 37th minute following a cracking Kelly cross from the right, but could only glance wide. Apart from that he was starved of service.
Joe Ledley – 5
Wasn’t very comfortable with the ball at his feet and, aside from getting fouled by Diego Costa, wasn’t very involved at all.
Jason Puncheon – 6
Had a couple of chances, but didn’t take any of them. Was full of positive running and great energy, but didn’t see and end product for it. In the opening 45 he connected with a Kelly cross only to see his header go astray. That sort of summed up his afternoon – full of potential but no reward.
Christian Benteke – 5.5
Didn’t get the service he would have wanted and was left frustrated by a lack of involvement. In the 71st minute, he did well to control a cross before firing at goal as he was being tightly marked inside the area, but Thibaut Courtois saved well.
Substitutes:
Andros Townsend – 5
Came on late, but when he was presented with the chance to draw level in stoppage time, he could only blast the free kick way, way over the bar much to the joy of the travelling contingent.
Frazier Campbell – N/A
Was introduced for Cabaye with around 10 minutes left.
Zeki Fryers – N/A
Came on for Kelly in the 83rd minute.
Chelsea
Thibaut Courtois – 6
Didn’t have a huge amount to do throughout as his defensive line gave him plenty of protection. With nine clean sheets in his last 11 games it’s easy to imagine that even if Palace had created more he would have dealt with it all comfortably.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 7.5
Candidate for man of the match. It was Azpilicueta who provided the sumptuous assist for the goal as his lovely cross landed perfectly on Costa’s head, while he also proved himself to be a reliable rock at the back, as ever. Looking increasingly like one of the best defenders in the league under Conte and will prove instrumental in their title challenge staying on course.
David Luiz – 7
His involvement in keeping the likes of Zaha and Puncheon quiet wasn’t just him being part of a well-organised unit (although that was certainly true) as he stood up well on an individual level to make some key challenges, as well as communicating well with Gary Cahill to ensure no stray passes made it through in the closing stages.
Gary Cahill – 7
The first half saw him win 100 percent of his tackles as well as making two interceptions and the same number of clearances (via Squawka). A monster at the back, he was key in not only defending well but providing the platform to allow the midfielders to get possession to turn into attack – something Chelsea have done expertly all season long.
Marcos Alonso – 7.5
Perhaps the best left back in the country, Alonso has been a revelation this season. Galloping up and down the flank, the 25-year-old Spaniard has caused problems everywhere. He was equally menacing during the week and even flashed a volley inches wide of the mark in the 66th minute as well as forcing Hennessey into a save eight minutes later. His main highlight, though, was cracking the crossbar with a fine free-kick late on.
Victor Moses – 6
It has been a good season for Moses. Brought back in from the cold and into the Chelsea fold by Conte, he has been allowed to show his worth to the team with some really inspiring displays. Against Palace, despite getting more involved late on, he wasn’t given the freedom to express himself and was also booked for a foul on Yohan Cabaye.
N’Golo Kante – 6
Wasn’t as influential as he has usually been this season and will be disappointed about that. Nonetheless, he was involved from the get-go and saw plenty of action in the middle of the pitch. That he didn’t prove the catalyst he has normally done was a credit to some swarming midfield play from Palace, but he was competent enough throughout to get the job done.
Nemanja Matic – 6
Much like Kante, he wasn’t at his best at the weekend and will hope his performance improves into January. Pivotally, however, he didn’t make any major errors and was intelligent enough with his passing to get by.
Willian – 6
Last season Willian was Chelsea’s best player by far so it was always going to be a tough act to follow. In truth, Willian was a little too passive at times, and when he had a free kick opportunity in the second half his delivery wasn’t good enough.
Eden Hazard – 7
Flashes of magic from Hazard brought some colour and life to proceedings at times, but he didn’t have the pleasure of scoring on this particular outing. Some darting runs got bums off seats, as well as producing some skilful backheels but it wasn’t his day inside the box. A Cesc Fabregas cut-back in the final quarter of normal time was intended for him to finish but Alonso saw it hit his shin.
Diego Costa – 8
He got booked and will miss the Boxing day action, but this was always Costa’s day. He didn’t get much service into him, but when Azpilicueta popped as cracking cross into the box in the 44th minute he made no mistake in sticking it away. His fire has often seen him criticised but it worked in his favour here as it endowed him with the mental strength to keep plugging away and he had the confidence to score the only goal, that proved the difference.
Substitutes:
Cesc Fabregas – 6
Made an immediate impact following his introduction just after the hour mark as he replaced Willian by storming into the box, past a couple of defenders, before pulling back for Marcos Alonso. His pass was a little forced and the chance went begging. Also had a first-time effort saved in the 69th minute. Positive all round.
Branislav Ivanovic N/A
Came on late and saw out the win.
Michy Batshuayi N/A
Was brought on for Costa in the 89th minute. Could start on Boxing Day.
