Full Time: Crystal Palace 2-1 Chelsea
Antonio Conte wore a devastated figure at Selhurst Park as his side continued their voodoo against Crystal Palace, handing the Eagles their first win of the new Premier League campaign. Roy Hodgson’s side scored their first goal of the league campaign as Cesar Azpilicueta’s unlucky deflection ended at the back of the net to give Palace an early lead.
Bakayoko cancelled it with a header from a corner not long later, but Wilfried Zaha, coming back from an injury, scored just before the break to hand Palace their lead back. Chelsea failed to find the back of the net in the second half and fell to their third loss, their second in the last two league games.
Here’s how the Chelsea players fared on the day:
Thibaut Courtois (5)
Could have done well to stop Zaha’s effort but was helpless for the first goal on a disastrous night.
Cesar Azpilicueta (3)
Gave away an own goal just 11 minutes into the game and also allowed Zaha to run at his goal on one of his worse days as a Chelsea player.
David Luiz (4)
Was hardly troubled by Palace as he stuck to his task and played an advanced role when Chelsea pushed for the equaliser.
Gary Cahill (4)
Was caught out of position far too many times as he allowed Palace to keep the pressure on Chelsea’s backline.
Victor Moses (4)
Was pushed back into defence for most of the 40 minutes he was on the field before being subbed off due to an injury.
Tiemoue Bakayoko (5)
Showed great strength to fend away the Palace midfielders, constantly winning the ball back. He also produced the only moment of glory for Chelsea on the night.
Cesc Fabregas (5)
Played a couple of decent passes to the attackers but was largely lethargic and slow in his passing, allowing Palace to get back and defend.
Marcos Alonso (4)
Put pressure on the Palace wingers but was beaten far too many times for Chelsea’s liking.
Willian (3)
Hardly created a chance and was often slowing play down as he failed to impose himself on Palace’s backline before being subbed off.
Eden Hazard (4)
A live wire right till the end of the game but Hazard looked off-colour and did not trouble Palace enough to break them down regularly.
Michy Batshuayi (3)
A performance he would like to forget as he failed to get anywhere close to the opposition goal.
Subs:
Davide Zappacosta (4)
Was at fault for Zaha’s goal but should have done a lot more in the attack to help Chelsea get back in the game.
Pedro (4)
Added some energy to the game in the second half but often ran into Palace defenders, losing the ball cheaply.
Charly Musonda (5)
Troubled Palace’s defence more than any other player on the field as he stuck to his task and added numbers in the box late in the game.