Crystal Palace v Chelsea player ratings
Chelsea coasted to their biggest win of the season at Selhurst Park. Here’s how we rated the Blues players in the impressive 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace.
Thibaut Courtois: 6
Had very little to but, one second-half fumble aside, caught well and commanded his area effectively. The Belgian was also safe on the deck and swift to use the ball.
Branislav Ivanovic: 6
Had a few testy moments against the pace of Wilfried Zaha and was guilty of some very average passing, but also made some important interceptions and was positionally much better than he has been for most of the season.
Kurt Zouma: 7
The French defender’s pace and athletic prowess was much-needed against the strong-running, albeit lightweight, Palace forward line. Almost caught sleeping when unfortunate to concede a first-half free-kick but got back brilliantly to thwart the danger with the tackle of the match.
John Terry: 8
Continued where he left off against Manchester United and was once again the best defender on display to help the Blues keep a second consecutive clean sheet. Organised his defence, adapted to the tricky conditions in the teeming rain and read the game superbly well.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 7
The right-footed left-back quietly and effectively went about his business, defending without alarm and providing decent and consistent support in attack. Recovered from a boot in the face early on and so nearly scored with a well-controlled left-foot shot.
John Mikel Obi: 9
The Nigerian was at his best and provided the perfect platform for victory. He was an ideal foil for Cesc Fabregas, barely wasting possession, showing great strength and playing with good tempo to allow his midfield partner more space in advanced areas.
Cesc Fabregas: 9
Outstanding. The Spaniard dictated the game from about 20 minutes in, controlling the midfield and instigating attacks with countless first-time passes. His astute through-ball led to the first goal and he was a key contributor to the game-clinching third as well.
Oscar: 7
The Brazilian made numerous crucial runs forward which freed up space for his fellow midfield runners and lone frontman Diego Costa. One such run earned him his simple opener and he also contributed defensively, putting himself about and depriving Palace’s holding duo any time.
Willian: 8
Chelsea’s go-to man delivered once again, scoring an absolute screamer to cap a typically excellent performance. Laid on the third goal as well and could easily have created one or two more.
Eden Hazard: 5
Only lasted 15 minutes before limping off, and did not seem very happy for a few minutes before his exit.
Diego Costa: 8
Managed to keep his temper in check and properly focus on being irascible and irritating without over-stepping the mark. Great awareness and disguise set up the first goal, showed real desire and appetite from the first minute and fully deserved his close-range tap-in.
Pedro: 7
Energetic and threatening throughout, although still wasteful in the final third. The Spanish winger is at his best when running at pace without too much involvement in the build up, and without much time to think.
