Crystal Palace v Chelsea player ratings
Injury-hampered Chelsea suffered a 2-1 defeat against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Here’s how we rated each Blues player in the derby loss.
Thibaut Courtois: 6
Not much he could do about the two goals which beat him. Spilled one shot that almost gifted a goal for Patrick van Aanholt, but overall had little to do apart from collect a few back-passes and long range strikes.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 6
Unlucky to see Yohan Cabaye’s shot deflect off him and into the net but it summed up an afternoon when the defender seemed less at ease than usual. Often looked hurried and under pressure.
David Luiz: 6
Tested by the pace of Wilfried Zaha and unable to close down Cabaye sufficiently to deny Palace the opening goal. Less effective without an out-and-out centre-forward to mark.
Gary Cahill: 6
Had to get in more blocks and last-ditch tackles than he would have liked. Andros Townsend’s twisting runs kept the Chelsea skipper on his toes.
Victor Moses: 5
Given a good reception by home fans when he departed with what appeared to be a muscle strain just before the interval. The former Palace man had struggled to influence the game.
Tiemoue Bakayoko: 6
Given a free header at a corner for the Chelsea equaliser, but his passing was a little off-beam at times and was made to work hard by Luka Milivojevic and James McArthur in a tough midfield battle. Booked late on for a foul on Townsend.
Cesc Fabregas: 8
The Spaniard had plenty of chores to occupy him, but still offered the likeliest route to goal with his creative passing. Drilled a free-kick just over the bar and clipped the bar with another effort from outside the box.
Marcos Alonso: 6
One of those who looked troubled early on by the determination and force of Palace’s opening salvos, but a couple of headers from set pieces in the second half almost brought rewards.
Willian: 5
Not his best day. Lost a few 50-50s. None more significant than the one with Mamadou Sakho which opened up the chance for Zaha to restore the home side’s lead.
Michy Batshuayi: 5
Headed a corner over the bar but anonymous otherwise and cut a frustrated figure. Showed his displeasure when boss Antonio Conte withdrew him on the hour.
Eden Hazard: 5
A very quiet afternoon for the Belgian, who only showed a few glimpses of his talent. For once, never really looked like influencing the outcome.
Davide Zappacosta: 6
On for the injured Moses before the break. Sent in a few dangerous crosses and one low left-foot effort at keeper Julian Speroni.
Pedro: 6
Latched on to a fine Hazard pass to fire one shot at Speroni, but strayed into offside positions too often as the Blues chased the game.
Charly Musonda: 6
Lively after coming on. Volleyed over after being set up by Fabregas.
