Kai Havertz’s second-half header helped Chelsea defeat Crystal Palace and snap a three-game winless streak in the Premier League....CONTINUE READING
Graham Potter again made a number of lineup adjustments for Chelsea, but despite a promising start, the home team soon found themselves in trouble. The Blues had to endure a few tense intervals as Palace pushed for an early goal before regaining the initiative.
The frequently criticized Havertz should have done better with a free header, but he could only direct his effort over the bar as newly acquired Mykhailo Mudryk looked on.
Despite a flurry of late opportunities, including ones from Thiago Silva and Lewis Hall, the game went into halftime without a goal. Chelsea’s increasing franticness after the interval was highlighted by a hopeful Conor Gallagher appeal.
In an effort to enliven the game, the Blues, who were lacking in attacking fluidity, substituted on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Five minutes after his entry, the Blues had taken the lead.
Hakim Ziyech’s cross was directed beyond Vicente Guaita by Havertz as restitution for his previous error, giving the visitors just over 25 minutes to respond.
With 10 minutes remaining, Havertz then had the chance to essentially seal the victory, but his close-range header at the back post strangely missed the mark.
However, Crystal Palace had come from behind to win four times this season, but chances in the second half were scarce until the very end. In the end, Chelsea stayed strong to tie Liverpool for first place in the standings, despite having played one more game.
After losing their last 12 head-to-head matches, the Eagles are all too accustomed with the emotion. More significantly, a sixth loss in seven games in the Premier League has Crystal Palace on edge.
