By Gary Watton
April 1 2017

Lightning does obviously strike twice. Last season the Eagles travelled a few miles west whereupon they raided Stamford Bridge and left with a 2-1 win. Having said that, the circumstances of this smash and grab were significantly more different. Whereas Crystal Palace more than held their own on their previous visit, they found themselves this time weathering a storm of incessant attacking from a Chelsea team chastened by losing their early lead. Whilst the visitors deserve much credit for their ability to defend by hook and by crook, the hosts only have themselves to blame.

Chelsea, supposedly the champions-elect, had about eighty minutes to retrieve their early lead, and yet for all their advances, they failed to score. Not only was the setback a damning indictment of their ability to score against a packed defence, but the Premiership leaders look distinctly ropey at the back. A poor pass contributed to the equaliser, while a failed interception by David Luiz couldn't prevent Benteke scoring an unlikely winner.

The Blues must quickly regroup for the considerable challenge of Manchester Mercenaries. Any more defensive fragility and dropped points will only bolster Tottenham's very real hope of still snatching the top prize.

CHELSEA 1 Crystal Palace 2; half time: 1-2

CHELSEA goal scorer: Fabregas

CHELSEA team: Courtois; Azpilicueta; Luiz; Kante; Matic; Cahill; Alonso; Fabregas; Costa; Pedro; Hazard. Used substitutes: Willian, Batshuayi, Loftus-Cheek

CHELSEA leading scorers:

Costa eighteen goals

Hazard eleven goals (including two penalties)

Pedro eleven goals

Willian seven goals

Fabregas six goals

Batshuayi five goals (including one penalty)

Cahill five goals

Alonso four goals

Moses four goals

Palace

Discussion started by Chelsea FC (IP Logged), 01/04/2017 15:15

Chelsea FC
01/04/2017 15:15

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