Half-time: Chelsea 2 Crystal Palace 1

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Fernando Torres and Ramires scored first-half goals for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, where a win would take them to within two points of Premier League leaders Arsenal.

The Blues, who face Arsenal a week on Monday, went ahead when Torres tucked away the rebound after Willian’s low shot had been tipped onto the post by Eagles keeper Julian Speroni.

And Branislav Ivanovic missed a great chance to double the lead when he fired wide after being put through by Juan Mata’s delightful back-heel.

Chelsea seemed to be in control but switched off at the back and Marouane Chamakh equalised just before the half-hour mark, steering home from nine yards out after being found by Joel Ward’s ball in from the left.

But Ramires struck five minutes later, collecting Eden Hazard’s pass and sending a 25-yard shot beyond the motionless Speroni into the corner of the net.

Boss Jose Mourinho opted to restore Mata and Michael Essien to the starting line-up, with Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and Oscar among the substitutes.

David Luiz continues alongside John Terry at centre-back as Gary Cahill is nursing a slight thigh problem.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech; Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, Azpilicueta; Essien, Ramires; Willian, Mata, Hazard, Torres.
Subs: Schwarzer, Cole, Lampard, Oscar, Schurrle, Ba, Eto’o.

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