Crystal Palace vs Chelsea: N'Golo Kante fires Maurizio Sarri's side to victory
Re-live the action from Selhurst Park
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Your support makes all the difference.N'Golo Kante earned Chelsea a 1-0 win at Crystal Palace to boost the Blues' bid for a place in the Premier League's top four.
Kante, a World Cup winner with France last summer, has been deployed in a more advanced position on the right side of midfield by Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea.
He netted his third Premier League goal of the season at Selhurst Park as Chelsea ended Palace's three-match unbeaten run to move five points clear of fifth-placed Arsenal in the battle for Champions League qualification.
Willian and Ross Barkley had hit posts in quick succession in the first half and the hosts' performance showed little of the style and substance which had earned victory at Manchester City eight days earlier. Re-live the action below:
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Crystal Palace 0-0 Chelsea
33 minutes
Yet again, Chelsea pass the ball around harmlessly on the edge of Palace's box before unleashing a long-range shot. This time, it's Jorginho, who blazes one high and wide. The frustration is growing.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Chelsea
34 minutes
Hazard finds himself in a central position on the edge of the Palace box and wins a free kick. This is an opportunity for Chelsea, who have had very little joy from open play.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Chelsea
35 minutes
So close! Willian curls the ball over the wall and it cannons off the post. Guaita is deemed to have got a glove to it, so Chelsea have a corner. The goalkeeper punches it away and Willian fires in another shot. Guaita makes another strong save.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Chelsea
37 minutes
Off the post again! Barkley swivels and guides the ball towards goal, but it hits the outside of the woodwork and Palace survive.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Chelsea
40 minutes
Palace are now looking to put on some pressure of their own after dealing with a spell of Chelsea dominance. It's still in the balance as half time approaches.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Chelsea
44 minutes
If you're a fan of a well-executed low block, this will have been a feast for the eyes. If not, it's probably been a bit of a bore. There's been one shot on target so far and most of the half has consisted of Chelsea trying, unsuccessfully, to pass through Palace's compact defence.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Chelsea
45 minutes
One minute of added time will be played.
Half time: That's it for the first half. Other than a couple of long-range efforts from Willian, Chelsea have done little to trouble a stubborn and resolute Palace side. It hasn't been a classic, but the hosts should be commended for their defensive discipline.
Frustration has been the overriding emotion for Chelsea so far. They've dominated the ball but created very little. And when they have found themselves in scoring positions, the post has been in the way.
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