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Chelsea player ratings: Nail-biter at Selhurst, Zouma saves season

By Gabe Henderson

Chelsea's French defender Kurt Zouma (R) tangles with Crystal Palace's Zaire-born Belgian striker Christian Benteke (C) during the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea at Selhurst Park in south London on July 7, 2020. (Photo by PETER CZIBORRA / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by PETER CZIBORRA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea's French defender Kurt Zouma (R) tangles with Crystal Palace's Zaire-born Belgian striker Christian Benteke (C) during the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea at Selhurst Park in south London on July 7, 2020. (Photo by PETER CZIBORRA / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by PETER CZIBORRA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 07: Tammy Abraham of Chelsea celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s third goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea FC at Selhurst Park on July 07, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Peter Cziborra/Pool via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 07: Tammy Abraham of Chelsea celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s third goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea FC at Selhurst Park on July 07, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Peter Cziborra/Pool via Getty Images) /

Willian (Right winger): 9

No penalty chances for Willian this go around, but he shined nonetheless. Willian’s work-rate off the ball—especially when tracking back—is invaluable to Lampard’s side. He grabbed another two assists on the day, bringing his Premier League season tally to seven assists to go with nine goals. Willian’s importance in this team cannot be overstated. With Kovacic’s injury, he’s quickly closing the gap between he and the Croatian for Chelsea player of the year. The Blues would be foolish to let him walk at the month’s end.

Olivier Giroud (Striker): 7.5

Giroud’s opening goal personified everything he is as a striker. It was cool, composed and even a bit controversial, but it started Chelsea off on the right foot—no pun intended. Thoughts go out to Gary Cahill, who suffered an injury in the build-up, as all Chelsea fans are wishing him the best for the rest of the year. Getting back on track, Giroud’s hold-up play was decent, but he wasn’t his usual self on the day. He missed a great chance to double Chelsea’s lead early on and failed to do much in the second half before being pulled. The goal was his savior on the day.

Christian Pulisic (Left winger): 9

Another game, another goal contribution for Pulisic. America’s budding star scored on a scintillating strike at the near post to double the visitors’ advantage. He’s scored three since the restart and he’s nearing double digit goals on the season. Pulisic is impossible to leave out of the side at this moment, but did look a bit iffy as the game went on as he was subject to more fouls. Maybe Pulisic is even more similar to Eden Hazard than we all thought.

Tammy Abraham (Striker): 6.5

At the end of the day, Abraham got back on the scoresheet. Aside from the three points, that’s what matters most. He put another shot wide and cheaply gave the ball away a few times though. Abraham’s surely going to bed happy after finding the back of the net again—and you have to give credit where it’s due, his positional awareness on his strike was superb.

dark. Next. State of the Blue-nion: Chelsea wins FAWSL title; Havertz rumors continue

How would you rate the performances of Blues players against Crystal Palace? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!

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