Well then.
Chelsea dropped out of the top four this weekend, after the Blues were defeated by a highly impressive Crystal Palace side. Palace, who were point-less and goal-less prior to this game, were 2-1 winners at Selhurst Park this weekend. Here are the player ratings from a poor performance for Chelsea this week.
Thibaut Courtois – 5
Made a few good saves during the game. The Belgian couldn’t be blamed for either goal, due to a poor defensive performance. Chelsea’s defenders did no favours for Courtois on Saturday afternoon.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 4
An uncharacteristic performance from Azpilicueta this week. Looked poor defensively, with Wifried Zaha beating him on a number of occasions. At fault for Palace’s first, too.
David Luiz – 5
Did nothing of note in this fixture. In a poor performance from the Blues, Luiz was almost invisible for the majority of the game. Andreas Christensen might feel hard done by after being dropped to the bench.
Gary Cahill – 5
Like David Luiz, Cahill was mostly invisible during this game. The defence lacked any sort of leadership, and the captain failed to deliver any on this occasion.
Victor Moses – 5
Had little impact on the game before getting injured. Hard to criticise the player who did nothing of note during his time on the pitch.
Tiemoue Bakayoko – 7
One of the better players on the day. Bakayoko netted his first Premier League goal for Chelsea with an easy header past Julian Speroni.
Cesc Fabregas – 7
The only Chelsea player on the pitch with any creativity. He took the corner which saw Bakayoko equalise from, and probably wished for Alvaro Morata up front.
Marcos Alonso – 6
Promising down the left hand side. Despite a poor performance, Alonso looked likely to find something to secure a draw for Chelsea, if it weren’t for a good save from Speroni.
Eden Hazard – 5
Largely anonymous for parts of the game, Hazard is yet to reach the heights of last season. Chelsea will hope to see Hazard back on form in midweek.
Michy Batshuayi – 5
Failed to take his chance after Morata’s injury. Failed to register a shot on goal, and offered little going forward. Was subbed off after less than an hour. Tammy Abraham recall, anyone?
Willian – 4
At blame for the second goal. Looked weak and lazy for the majority of the game, and was easily beaten to the ball by Mamadou Sakho which led to Zaha’s winner.
Substitutes
Davide Zappacosta – 6
Provided Chelsea with a threat down the right. Did well after the injury to Moses, and is set to have a run in the first team.
Charly Musonda – 6
Looked threatening when substituted on. After last week’s Instagram outburst, Musonda must be kicking himself after missing a couple of decent chances.
Pedro – 6
Replaced the immobile Batshuayi and offered energy and running. Had a few chances, but never looked to threaten Speroni in the Palace goal.