Chelsea vs Crystal Palace LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction
Follow all the action from Stamford Bridge
A second-half goal from Kai Havertz proved enough to give Chelsea a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday, easing the pressure on manager Graham Potter after a poor run of form.
The German striker nodded in a cross from Hakim Ziyech in the 65th minute following a short corner. It was only the second league win in 10 matches for the home side who remain in 10th place half-way through the season.
Chelsea were on top for much of the lively if scrappy derby, but Palace kept goalkeeper Kepa busy with efforts from Tyrick Mitchell, Michael Olise and Wilfried Zaha and he was forced into a leaping save from Cheick Doucoure towards the end of the second half.
Midway through the first half Chelsea announced Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk had become their fifth signing of the January transfer window, and the 22-year-old waved to fans from the pitch at halftime, a Ukraine flag draped round his shoulders.
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
GOOD SAVE! Palace come again, and Olise clips a great cross in which causes all sorts of problems. Kepa misses the punch and Zaha helps it on. Ayew's attempt is blocked but it bounces to Mitchell at the far post who goes for the volley and Kepa smothers it.
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
Palace are enjoying a good spell of possession before Schlupp goes for the big switch out to Olise. He takes it around Hall but then sees his throughball to Ayew blocked by Badiashile.
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
Palace keep cheaply giving the ball away deep in their own half, but luckily for them, Chelsea don't take advantage. Havertz bundles it to the edge of the box before pulling it back for Ziyech, but he loses out to Doucoure.
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
Chelsea have lost two of their last three Premier League home games (W1), as many as they had in their previous 21 league games at Stamford Bridge before this (W10 D9).
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
It's well worked down Chelsea's right, with Ziyech playing a one-two with Mount as he cuts inside before fizzing it into the box. Havertz is chasing it, but he can't get there ahead of Guaita.
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
Zaha outmuscles Badiashile to win an aerial challenge before lifting a lovely chip over Silva to open up space in front of goal. The last touch was slightly heavy though, and Kepa rushes out of his box to head the danger away.
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
It's better from Palace now, and they're moving the ball much quicker upfield. Olise makes a great run down the right and tries to cut back to curl in a cross, but it's blocked by Hall.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments