Chelsea solidified their position at the top of the league with a narrow 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. For at least a day, they could relish a nine-point gap. It’s was their 11th win on the bounce yet they had to work their way against their London rival, who came in with a lopsided run of form. Diego Costa netted his 13th goal of the season and 50th for the club – simply sensational.
Thibaut Courtois 7 – The Belgian was largely untroubled for the most part of the game yet made a solid save to deny Yohan Cabaye’s goal-bound volley in the second half. Bagged his 10th clean sheet of the campaign.
Cesar Azpilicueta 8 – Another impressive performance capped with a sublime assist for Diego Costa’s winner. He had an interesting battle with Wilfried Zaha till the final whistle yet managed to repel those threats without great composure.
David Luiz 7 – A solid part of Chelsea’s rearguard once again. However, similar to last weekend, his free-kick magic is waning away.
Gary Cahill 6.5 – Unlike his defensive partners, the England international failed to make a better grade. The closest Crystal Palace came to score was from the skipper’s error and thankfully Courtois guarded the goalpost immaculately. Was good in air and physique to keep Benteke at bay.
Victor Moses 7 – Despite playing against the club where he started his career, the Nigerian kept sentimental values aside. Benefitted when the game stretched in the second period with his attacking mojo.
N’golo Kante 7 – Came close to double Chelsea’s lead in the second half, only for Wayne Hennessey to make a firm save. Industrious and compose at the heart of midfield.
Nemanja Matic 8 – Returned to the starting XI and was an effective shield in front of the three-man backline.
Marcos Alonso 7 – Unlucky to not score his 2nd goal of the season with a brilliant free-kick that defeated the goalkeeper yet rattled off the crossbar. Constantly dropped deep to fortify Chelsea’s defence.
Willian 5.5 – A number of wayward passes and nothing to note offensively from the Brazilian. Got replaced by Fabregas right after the hour mark.
Eden Hazard 7 – The former Lille attacker was a constant thorn for Crystal Palace’s backline yet a final product wasn’t coming. Started off the route for the winning goal too.
Diego Costa 7.5 – The towering forward once again proved his worth by scoring the winning goal nearing the end of the first half. Could have easily nabbed a higher rating yet a pointless foul will see him miss the next match against Bournemouth after accumulating 5 yellow cards.
Substitutes:
Cesc Fabregas 7 (Willian in the 64th minute) – Clearly was far more effective than Willian in the attack.
Branislav Ivanovic 6 (Victor Moses in the 79th minute) – The Serbian stuck to his task of repelling away threats from Palace’s quick attack.
Michy Batshuayi N/A (Diego Costa in the 87th minute)– Barely broke a sweat, yet, could be in the first team in the next match as Diego Costa is suspended.
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