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Chelsea Player Ratings vs Crystal Palace: Matic & Fabregas Steal The Show

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Chelsea maintained their five point lead at the zenith of the Premier League after a 2-1 win at Crystal Palace, thanks to stunning goals from Oscar and Cesc Fabregas and an act of utter stupidity from Palace defender Damien Delaney, who received a second yellow for an idiotic tug on Loic Remy, moments after Chelsea had been reduced to 10 men after Cesar Azpilicueta received his marching orders for going through Mile Jedinak.

Let’s take a look at the Chelsea Player Ratings from Selhurst Park.

Thibaut Courtois – 7

Courtois looked as shaky as he’s looked all season as Palace threw everything at Chelsea in the early going. But seemed to grow into the game and saved an uncomfortable cross-shot from Yannick Bolasie. No chance with Campbell’s late consolation.

Cesar Azpilicueta – 5

Solid as usual until a moment of madness threatened to ruin all of Chelsea’s good work. An injudicious lunge on Jedinak earned the Spaniard an early shower but he would be relieved Chelsea hung on for the win.

Branislav Ivanovic – 6.5

Yannick Bolasie gave the Serbian one or two uncomfortable moments in the early stages as he exploited the space behind, but Ivanovic stuck to his task and snuffed out the early pressure.

Gary Cahill – 7

Sensational last-ditch challenge on Bolasie saved the day after the England centre-back was given a torrid time by Frazer Campbell in the first 20 minutes. Ruffled, but unscathed, would be apt for Cahill and Chelsea’s day.

John Terry – 7.5

Unlucky not to mark the occasion of his 500th appearance for Chelsea as captain with a goal, but had another solid game in defence. Positionally excellent.

Nemanja Matic – 8.5

If Chelsea go on to win the Premier League, Nemanja Matic may not get the headlines, but in all honesty, the Serbian is probably as important to Chelsea as Fabregas, Hazard and Costa. Did his usual play-breaking with great effect covering every blade of grass at Selhurst Park, but the way he stabilised Chelsea in the secind half by pulling the strings from his deeper role had a touch of class about it.

Cesc Fabregas – 8

That one-touch move with Hazard and Oscar had class written all over it. And to finish it off in style was classic Fabregas. The standout player of the Premier League so far, without a shadow of a doubt.

Willian – 6.5

Had to be sacrificed as Mourinho added caution to the wind after Azpilicueta’s dismissal, but worked his flank energetically until that point.

Oscar – 8

Calmed the nerved with a stunning free-kick and seems to be getting back to form at just the right moment. Looked busy all afternoon with his movement and vision, and orchestrated a brilliant one-touch move with Fabregas and Hazard for Chelsea’s second.

Eden Hazard – 7

Didn’t quite have the ‘decisive’ effect that Mourinho had been talking about in the papers prior to the game, but looked a threat all afternoon.

Loic Remy – 7

Held the ball up well to bring his attacking midfield threesome into the game, but looked pretty non-existent as an attacking threat. Did little to convince Mourinho he can fill Costa’s boots.

Substitutes:

Filipe Luis – 7

Did well in an attacking sense but his weak challenge allowed Zaha to feed Campbell for the late Palace consolation.

Mohamed Salah – No Rating

Came on for Eden Hazard late on but barely had time to make an impression. Had a late run which was snuffed out by the Palace backline.

Didier Drogba – No Rating

Brought on with a few seconds to go.