It wasn’t as easy as we’d have liked, but Chelsea did well to get the three points as we defeated Palace 3-1 at the Bridge.
See the player ratings below:
Kepa: Didn’t have much to do in the game and can’t be blamed for Townsend’s goal. His distribution was good as well. There was a moment when he came out of his box to meet a dangerous through ball and he played a stunning first time pass to Azpilicueta. 6/10
Rudiger: He switched play with his passes beautifully and was solid at the back. 6/10
Luiz: He was caught out of position for Townsend’s goal, but was solid other than that. 6/10
Azpilicueta: Made sure no threat came through the right and was solid. 6/10
Alonso: Started the first-half brightly, but faded in the second-half and his defending was shaky at times. Assisted Pedro’s goal with a good cross into the box. 6.5/10
Jorginho: Didn’t have as much influence as he’d have liked, but he did okay nevertheless. 6/10
Barkley: Have been in form in recent games, but was quite off the pace today and didn’t do too well. 5/10
Kante: Worked hard for the team and did really well, but some of his forward passes were faulty. He’d get a high rating because his work rate in the second-half helped kill off the game. 7/10
Pedro: Had a good game capped with a goal and assist, and he worked hard for the team. 7.5/10
Willian: His set-pieces were dangerous at times, but he looked tired later in the game. 6/10
Morata: Was the man of the match and had a good game. Scored a brace but could have gotten a hat-trick. 8/10
Subs
Hazard: Came on for Willian with less than 30 minutes to go and he brought a spark to Chelsea’s attack that was missing, and he got an assist for Pedro’s second goal. 7/10
Kovacic: Came on for Barkley and he did well to add fresh energy to Chelsea’s midfield. 6.5/10
Fabregas: Replaced Jorginho in the middle of the park and used his experience to help the team keep the ball and kill any hope of Palace resurgence. 6/10