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Chelsea at Crystal Palace player ratings: Blues return to winning ways

By Akshat Mehrish

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 10: Kurt Zouma of Chelsea celebrates with Cesar Azpilicueta after scoring their team's third goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea at Selhurst Park on April 10, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 10: Kurt Zouma of Chelsea celebrates with Cesar Azpilicueta after scoring their team's third goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea at Selhurst Park on April 10, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /
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Chelsea’s English midfielder Callum Hudson-Odoi (L) sends a shot over the bar during the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea at Selhurst Park in south London on April 10, 2021. (Photo by MIKE HEWITT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s English midfielder Callum Hudson-Odoi (L) sends a shot over the bar during the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea at Selhurst Park in south London on April 10, 2021. (Photo by MIKE HEWITT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Callum Hudson-Odoi (Right wingback): 6.5/10

Tuchel decided to go with Callum Hudson-Odoi at the right wingback position instead of Reece James to give his side more of an attacking edge. While the youngster did not play poorly, he did lack the end product on the night. A lot of crosses were either over-hit or under-hit, and his decision making was weak at times. Not a bad overall display from the 20-year-old, however, and he even managed to bag an assist!

Jorginho (Central midfielder): 7/10

Jorginho put a horrid display against West Brom behind him and provided plenty for Chelsea fans to be pleased about against Palace. The midfielder rotated the ball well, made some crucial interceptions, and very nearly had an assist to his name. His floated ball over the top was brought down excellently by Havertz, but the German could not find a way past Vicente Guaita in goal.

Mateo Kovacic (Central midfielder): 8/10

The Croatian midfielder put in a brilliant all-around display once again. He was Chelsea’s primary ball carrier from midfield and looked to connect the defence with the attack. As usual, Mateo Kovacic moved the ball well and moved even better himself. He was taken off by the head coach late into the match, with Hakim Ziyech coming on to replace him.

Ben Chilwell (Left wingback): 7.5/10

The Englishman must be brimming with confidence following a superb goal midweek in the Champions League against Porto. Chilwell had opportunities to score against Palace too, but was unable to find the target. He was dunked over by Benteke for the Eagles’ only goal of the night—a stain in an otherwise spotless display.

N’Golo Kante (Central midfielder): 6.5/10

N’Golo Kante replaced Jorginho midway through the second half. The Frenchman was among the culprits for the conceded goal, as he lost his runner and was unable to track him back. Nonetheless, he was assured with the ball in his feet, and constantly kept it moving alongside his midfield partner.

Reece James (Right wingback): 7/10

James was sent on by Tuchel in place of Hudson-Odoi as the Chelsea gaffer looked to preserve his team’s lead. However, the England international did even better than his boss’ expectations and provided the assist for Blues’ fourth of the night. James made an impact during his short time on the pitch and was a threat every time Chelsea bombed forward.

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