Chelsea F.C. 4-0 Crystal Palace F.C. Match Report

Starting Line-up: Mendy; Chilwell, Zouma, Silva, Azpilicueta; Jorginho, Kante (83’); Werner, Havertz, Hudson-Odoi (83’); Abraham

Subs: Arrizabalaga, Tomori, James, Pulisic (83’), Kovacic (83’), Mount, Giroud

First Half

Lampards men started the game off in a similar fashion to some of their previous games, with lots of possession up against a team sitting deep and not allowing Chelsea space to play in to. Crystal Palace set up in their 442 system, which worked so well away to Manchester United, with Zaha and Ayew playing as the front 2. They were clearly looking to use the pace and skill of Eze and Zaha to hit Chelsea on the counterattack and at times it almost worked. Eze was very intelligent in his positioning which allowed him to get 1v1 with Azpilicueta and was winning a few fouls up against the Spaniard which allowed Palace to release the pressure. Chelsea were definitely getting in and around the box but were unable to break through the away side. Werner was coming inside and linking up with Abraham and Havertz whereas Chilwell was high up and wide. Hudson-Odoi over on the other side was staying wide and was a constant danger for the Palace defence.

Image Credit: gettyimages.co.uk

The first real chance for Chelsea came after a counter attack from Chelsea, Havertz set up Timo Werner on the left side of the box who hit the shot right at the keeper and was clearly disappointed with his effort. A minute later Jorginho came close after he brought the ball down in the box but wasn’t able to keep his shot under the bar as it went just over. Defensively Chelsea were dealing fairly well with Palace, Zouma and Silva were strong when defending crosses and wasn’t allowing runners in behind. However Chelsea were still having the same issue they’ve had since the start of last season where they struggle to break teams down. Tammy Abraham came close late in the second half after taking down a brilliant pass from Jorginho however the keeper was able to close down the space and earned his side a goal kick.

Second Half

Chelsea came out sharper and with more intent in the second half and they were rewarded for this with a goal from Ben Chilwell, who scored after some brilliant work down the right hand side from Hudson-Odoi and a bit of fortune after a few mistakes from the Palace defence. This was the goal Chelsea were hoping to get and it came at a brilliant time as it meant Crystal Palace had to open up if they wanted to try and get an equaliser which would allow the likes of Timo Werner and Callum Hudson-Odoi to get more space in behind the defence.

Crystal Palace started to get more possession around the Chelsea box and were starting to have shots and try to get a goal back. Jordan Ayew had his shot saved well by Mendy after some good movement in behind Kurt Zouma. Chelseas second came from a brilliant cross from Ben Chilwell which Kurt Zouma rose to and put the ball into the back of the net which gave Chelsea that cushion which took the pressure off slightly.

Image Credit: gettyimages.co.uk

That goal dropped some Crystal Palace heads and they started to make sloppy mistakes at the back, which led to Chelsea earning a penalty after Tammy Abraham was fouled in the box and Jorginho tucked it away. This was also the case a few minutes later after Sakho fouled Havertz in the box after his poor clearance which Jorginho again putting the penalty away.

Image Credit: gettyimages.co.uk

Next Game

Chelsea will welcome Southampton after the international break. A difficult game against a team who will cause Chelsea problems all over the pitch. Chelsea will be hoping to get a similar result to Palace however it will be a very different game as Southampton will not sit back and will try and make it as difficult as possible for Chelsea.

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