#2 Defensive midfielders and Willian work tirelessly
Chelsea started with a double pivot in the midfield form of N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic. Both defensive midfielders were tireless in their approach and gave adequate cover to the back-line. They also ventured forwards in tandem, and played vital passes to the attacking players.
Kante especially, was everywhere on the pitch and made his presence felt in the middle third with his deft movements and astute passing. Kovacic also played box-to-box at times, and played some incisive passes.
However, the main creative spark was provided by Willian upfront and the Brazilian was excellent again for Chelsea. Most of the passes flowed through him from the midfield and he tried to dribble past the Palace defenders repeatedly.
Willian also played some quality crosses and passes to the likes of Abraham and Mason Mount. He registered his third assist of the season when he supplied the ball for Chelsea's opening goal in the second half.