Chelsea 1-0 Palace: 3 Blues who impressed

Although, with Raheem Sterling, Christian Pulisic and Joao Felix unavailable, the tricky star had minimal struggles getting into the starting XI. And for a change, Ziyech was prosperous and repaid supporters who had belief in him via a splendid showing. He had the most passes into the final third, most passes into the opposition box and also completed more take-ons than any other player. Ziyech also contributed effectively to the right side of the defence winning possession seven times. CFC fans can only hope for him to put in such shifts regularly in times of such crisis, literally any help could prove to be significant in order to compete at the highest level.

Apart from this chosen trio, there are two more who deserve a fair shout. Badiashile, the 6’4″ debutant had a consequential impact on the game. He enjoyed a 100 per cent tackle rate and made the most clearances on the pitch. His almost flawless display will ease some pressure off Graham Potter as the left side of the defence looked unsubstantial for most parts of the campaign.

Kepa Arrizabalaga was challenged on numerous occasions, too, but his acrobatics help the Blues not to concede at all from their rivals’ shot. After further concinnity, CFC will look forward to making their comeback – but for it to be successful, the defence must stay persistent as well as disciplined.