Chelsea vs Crystal Palace LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction
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A second-half goal from Kai Havertz proved enough to give Chelsea a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday, easing the pressure on manager Graham Potter after a poor run of form.
The German striker nodded in a cross from Hakim Ziyech in the 65th minute following a short corner. It was only the second league win in 10 matches for the home side who remain in 10th place half-way through the season.
Chelsea were on top for much of the lively if scrappy derby, but Palace kept goalkeeper Kepa busy with efforts from Tyrick Mitchell, Michael Olise and Wilfried Zaha and he was forced into a leaping save from Cheick Doucoure towards the end of the second half.
Midway through the first half Chelsea announced Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk had become their fifth signing of the January transfer window, and the 22-year-old waved to fans from the pitch at halftime, a Ukraine flag draped round his shoulders.
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace: Team news
Graham Potter handed a Chelsea debut to Benoit Badiashile against Crystal Palace as the manager switched to a back four following the defeat to Fulham. The 21-year-old signing from Monaco started in central defence alongside Thiago Silva, with Lewis Hall moving from wing-back to left-back.
Carney Chukwuemeka starts on the left of a midfield three with Conor Gallagher and Jorginho also returning to the side, whilst Hakim Ziyech also comes in alongside Kai Havertz and Mason Mount in attack.
For Crystal Palace, Tyrick Mitchell returns after serving a three-match ban for his red card against Fulham on Boxing Day. Jordan Ayew plays as a lone striker with support from Wilfried Zaha and Eberechi Eze.
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace: Confirmed line-ups
Chelsea: Kepa; Chalobah, Thiago Silva, Badiashile, Hall; Gallagher, Jorginho (C), Chukwuemeka; Ziyech, Havertz, Mount.
Crystal Palace: Guaita; Clyne, Andersen, Guehi (C), Mitchell; Doucoure, Schlupp; Olise, Eze, Zaha; Ayew.
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
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