Premier League: What did Chelsea learn from the win against Crystal Palace?

#1 Azpilicueta, a cause of concern

Chelsea FC v Crystal Palace - Premier League

Despite the positive result, the performance did raise some alarm bells at Stamford Bridge. One of the biggest is at right back with Cesar Azpilicueta. The Spanish defender has been consistently one of Chelsea's best players over the last five years in different positions. However, coming back to his original position, he has looked a shadow of the player he was.

The biggest concerns come on the ball as he constantly kept losing possession. In the win against Crystal Palace, Azpilicueta's pass-completing rate was a mere 81%. This was the lowest of any Chelsea player in the team.

Throughout the season, his contribution going forward have been next to nothing. In Sarri's possession-based game, his poor passing rate is something that is extremely costly to the blues. Over the years, Azpilicueta has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League. However, this season, he seems to struggle in that aspect of the game too.

Both Wilfried Zaha and Patrick Van Aanholt were easily able to get past him into potentially dangerous areas. This is slowly becoming a common theme this season. If it continues, Sarri will soon have to reevaluate his options for the position. One is forced to wonder whether Azpilicueta is struggling to keep up with his constant change of positions.