Chelsea FC fell in a shock 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace, here is the match report
Chelsea FC looked to build on last week’s win against West Brom, but their task wouldn’t be easy with London rivals Crystal Palace visiting Stamford Bridge. Palace have performed well this season, taking six points from their first three games, while Chelsea have exited the gates slowly, by their standards, taking just four points from three.
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There were some rumblings during the week that there would be a shake up in defense. However, while Kurt Zouma stepped in for the suspended John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic and Cesar Azpilicueta remained in their customary right and left fullback roles.
Palace began the game on the front foot, and understandably so, especially in these derby clashes. Chelsea would soon start to dominate possession though, and pin Palace into their own half for periods of time.
After an otherwise slow opening stage, Bakary Sako lifted the spirits of Palace fans by testing Thibaut Courtois with a shot at his near post. The goalkeeper seemed to be caught off-guard, and was forced into making a save with his feet to keep the ball out.
Palace would again threaten in the 30th minute. Wilfried Zaha opened up space on the left flank, and found Yohan Cabaye cutting down the middle of the pitch. The former Newcastle man had a golden opportunity to put his team in front, but was denied by Courtois.
Then it was Palace who would escape panic in their own end. Alex McCarthy was forced into two big saves, the first from Diego Costa, and the rebound effort from Cesc Fabregas. With halftime nearing, Alan Pardew must have been happy that his goalkeeper was able to keep the score at deadlock.
There weren’t many chances in the first half, and the 0-0 scoreline reflected that. Still, Chelsea looked favorites to get the first goal, and if they could get one in the early stages of the second half, they may have been able to ride the momentum into a comfortable victory.
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Chelsea ratcheted up the pressure in the second half, but couldn’t find the breakthrough. The Blues seemingly had multiple goalmouth chances, but never hit the back of the net.
Crystal Palace would be the team that took the lead in the 65th minute. Sako had a shot blocked inside the box, but was able to pounce on the rebound, and blast the ball past Courtois. With Chelsea appearing to be putting all the pressure on the visitors, the goal certainly felt like a kick in the teeth for Jose Mourinho.
Chelsea, however, would find their equalizer in the 79th minute, with Radamel Falcao getting his first goal in a Chelsea shirt. Pedro put in a hopeful ball to the near post, Falcao was able to beat his marker, and sneak a header past McCarthy to tie the game.
Just over a minute later, Palace would take the lead again. Sako was free on the far post, and he nodded the ball back into the path of Joel Ward. Ward made no mistake from close range, and put his team back in front.
Time would eventually run out for Chelsea, who would succumb to a disappointing home defeat. The fixture list doesn’t get any easier, as the Blues take on Everton in their next Barclays Premier League fixture.
MOTM: Bakary Sako – Sako made it happen for Palace today, scoring a goal and setting up another en route to a road victory.
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