Chelsea slumped to their first home defeat in 13 games, as two quick-fire goals from Wilfred Zaha and Christian Benteke overturned Cesc Fabregas’ opening goal.
Fabregas seemed to have set Chelsea on their way to yet another comfortable victory after he tapped home Eden Hazard’s near post cross in the fifth minute of the game. But almost immediately Crystal Palace were back on level terms, as Zaha collected the ball on the edge of the box before somehow managing to shrug off the attentions of Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso and fire low into the corner. Benteke compiled Chelsea’s woes very soon after to give Palace the lead, chipping the ball over Thibaut Courtois having started the move from inside his own half.
Benteke compiled Chelsea’s woes very soon after to give Palace the lead, chipping the ball over Thibaut Courtois having started the move from inside his own half.
Palace sat back to defend their lead, and Chelsea dominated the rest of the game, wasting numerous chances – particularly Diego Costa. Wayne Hennessy made 11 saves, denying Chelsea the chance to maintain their ten point lead.
Palace somehow managed to hang on to secure a vital win in their bid to beat the drop, while Chelsea’s lead at the top of the Premier League has now been cut to seven points.
