25′ – GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Crystal Palace.
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Willian’s fifth goal in five games and an own goal from Martin Kelly put the Blues into a 2-0 half-time lead, but Palace gave their hosts plenty of cause for concern ahead of their Champions League showdown with LaLiga leaders Barcelona.
Chelsea almost extended their lead as a close-range Willian shot was blocked, Wayne Hennessey denied Eden Hazard and Olivier Giroud struck the woodwork.
The Italian defender was found in acres of space inside the visitor’s box and his shot firstly deflected off the Palace goalkeeper and then eventually off a helpless Kelly.
Palace’s Wilfried Zaha returned from injury at the interval and was quickly involved as Alexander Sorloth hit the post. They did begin the period much better than the preceding one, nearly halving Chelsea’s lead through Alexander Sorloth, whose shot hit the post after Andreas Christensen gave the ball away carelessly to send the striker bearing down on Thibaut Courtois with no blue shirt in sight. Relieved to be back in the number 10 role, the Belgian forward enjoyed much of the ball, linking up with Willian and Olivier Giroud, who spearheaded the attack.
Chelsea go into the game knowing only a win will keep their hopes of fighting for the top four alive, as the Blues now sit five points off Tottenham Hotspur in fourth.
After painful last minute defeats to Spurs and Man United, Palace remain in the bottom three after a run of six without a win.
Chelsea’s back three is not the impenetrable brick wall it was for large parts of their title-winning season a year ago.
Chelsea’s second of the game in the 34th minute had a touch of luck.
Where and how to watch the online live streaming of Chelsea vs Crystal Palace?
On paper, Crystal Palace are better equipped to tackle the challenge, which admittedly looks increasingly ominous by the day.
Giroud hit the post midway through the second half and was replaced by Alvaro Morata shortly after. “We’re playing against a really good team, with talented players”.
For now, Chelsea can focus on this season’s edition of the Champions League, in which they travel to Barcelona on Wednesday with the last-16 tie level at 1-1 after the first leg.
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Palace, are in the relegation places, in 18th with just 27 points, one point behind Southampton and safety.
