Chelsea vs Crystal Palace LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction
Follow all the action from Stamford Bridge
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
It's goalless at the break between Chelsea and Palace! The visitors had the better of the early chances, with Kepa making two good saves to deny Mitchell and Olise. Chelsea grew into the game though, with Silva and Havertz coming close for them. In stoppage time, Kepa kept out Schlupp at his near post before Guaita tipped Ziyech's effort over the bar at the other end.
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
GREAT SAVE! There's one last chance for Chelsea in this half as well as it's fizzed into Chukwuemeka and Guaita flaps it away. It falls to Ziyech on the edge of the box, and he takes it quickly, but Guaita tips it over.
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
GOOD SAVE! Into two minutes of added time here and Palace have a corner. Olise swings it into the near post when Ayew flicks it on, and Kepa pushes it away at his near post.
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
Palace look to break quickly after clearing Chelsea's corner and Zaha starts it off down the left. Olise is fouled when it's slid into him, and the visitors are happy to just slow the pace of the game again.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments