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
Palace are still throwing everything they have at Chelsea as Zaha makes a weaving run into the box from the left. He has three defenders in front of him, and can only win a corner when his cross is blocked.
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
SAVE! Chelsea break quickly upfield again and Mount picks out Aubameyang on the right of the box. He has Guehi closing him down so he takes on the shot from the angle, but it's straight into Guaita's gloves.
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
Into seven minutes of stoppage time, and Palace are still on the hunt for an equaliser. He's toppled over by Jorginho, and they have a free-kick down the left, but Olise curls it straight out of play.
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
Substitution Kai Lukas Havertz César Azpilicueta Tanco
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
Gallagher goes down off the ball and Palace fans and players alike are accusing him of time-wasting. Zaha and Guehi yank him back to his feet and the referee steps in to get Gallagher out of the middle of it.
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
GREAT SAVE! Palace are upping the pressure as they search for a late equaliser. Olise's cross is half-cleared by Koulibaly and it loops invitingly to Doucoure just outside the box. He hits the shot on the volley, and Kepa stretches to push it away from the top corner.
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