As the top four race continues to be heat up, the Blues entered the match against the Eagles in 6th place given Liverpool won earlier in the day to put them back into 4th, at least momentarily. Prior to this game, Thomas Tuchel suffered his first defeat as Chelsea manager last week against Sam Allardyce’s West Brom in horrendous fashion, and sought to get back to winning ways against one of their London neighbors, Crystal Palace. Well, as much as we expected a reaction from Chelsea, few would have anticipated the magnitude of the response as the Blues managed to score more than 2 goals for the first time under the German manager. Chelsea dominated the Eagles in the first half scoring 3 with goals via Havertz, Zouma, and the American International, Christian Pulisic. Roy Hodgson’s side responded well by upping the intensity in the 2nd half cutting the deficit to 2, but the Blues were able to contain the pressure and cap off the victory with another Pulisic goal in the 78th minute. This victory once again put the Blues back in the top four, albeit briefly, as West Ham defeated Leicester 3-2. With that, some of the writers at The Chelsea Social give their post-match reactions regarding the Crystal Palace vs Chelsea clash in which the Blues won 4-1.
Crystal Palace vs Chelsea – Quick Recap
Right off the bat, Chelsea forced Palace back with consistent waves of pressure from our front line. Callum Hudson-Odoi was heavily involved in our attacks from right-wing back as Havertz and Mount helped overload the wide areas. The narrow formation of Crystal Palace made it difficult for them to get tight and in essence, were chasing shadows for the majority of the half. Kai Havertz’s brilliant off-the-ball movement helped him get into dangerous areas which inevitably led up the first Chelsea goal. Havertz perfectly slotted in a precise shot for the opener to give the Blues a deserved lead which was his second Premier League goal of the season. Two minutes later, Christian Pulisic reminded us of his class by scoring a powerful near-post left-footed shot which is eerily reminiscent of his goal the previous season against the same opposition. The Blues continued to completely outclass the Eagles by moving the ball with purpose and recorded their third goal off a set-piece. This time is was Kurt Zouma who sprang in the air above former Chelsea player, Gary Cahill, and headed home his 5th goal of the campaign. Again, another player who scored a similar goal against a similar opponent, albeit Kurt scored his goal in the same season.
In the second half, Palace pressed with more urgency and as consequence gave themselves some opportunities to attack a bit more genuinely. One substitution, in particular, made a big difference as Jeffrey Schlupp impacted the game positively for Palace. He contributed to the goal with a wonderful assist for Christian Benteke who got the better of Ben Chilwell in an aerial duel to cut the deficit to two goals. However, Chelsea created plenty of chances of their own to add to their impressive haul but their indecisiveness in the final third and lack of clinical finish allowed Crystal Palace to have a glimmer of hope. In the 78th minute however, the 3-goal cushion was restored as a quick counter-attack sprung Chelsea into life as Pulisic capitalised on a deflected cross from a delightful Reece James delivery to steer the ball in at the far post. The victory gave Chelsea a much-needed win as they continue their pursuit for a top four spot while also looking to close off the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals in midweek.
Without further adieu, let’s see what some of our fellow writers had to say following the Crystal Palace vs Chelsea clash.
Noah (@noahr24_ )
It seems strange to come out of a 4-1 win being unhappy that we didn’t score more, but it’s testament to the number of chances created that I am. From the electrifying start of the first 10 minutes, my mind began racing through scenarios where we broke the scoreline record before halftime. Unfortunately, those visions didn’t quite come true but the performance was still extremely satisfying overall. In a game that had added pressure after Liverpool beat Villa earlier on, the Blues delivered and it was great to see Havertz on the scoresheet (although he probably should have had more). However, the accolades must primarily go to, yet again, Mason Mount – he delivered once more and it seems his form will simply never end. A much-needed league win which sets us up well for Tuesday’s second leg clash, up the Blues!
Rey (@Rey_Blues30)
The Blues redeemed themselves after last week’s catastrophe. The hard reality is that this was a must-win game as Liverpool returned the pressure with a key victory against Aston Villa earlier in the day. Well, the way Chelsea dismantled Crystal Palace was probably our best offensive performances under Thomas Tuchel. For the first time under the German tactician, we’ve managed to score more than two goals. Four impressive goals are definitely what we needed especially losing to West Brom in a horrendous fashion last week. My fellow compatriot, Christian Pulisic gave us a reminder of what he can do on his best day which is very good to see. I was also very glad to see Kai Havertz be more confident on the ball and get on the score sheet. He probably could’ve scored more if he was more clinical but I’m not complaining. The German played outstandingly and recorded a silent assist to his goal. Our defence responded well in the second half which is what we want to see when teams increase the intensity of their press. Now to play like this against Porto this upcoming Tuesday!
Vivek (@CFC_Vivek)
A superb attacking performance saw Chelsea beat Crystal Palace to secure 3 important points into the Top four race. Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic led the scoring rout with the forwards scoring three out of the four goals in the game. Chelsea needs all the points they can get going to the end of the season. Will a top 4 finish be possible? I am confident it will be possible.
RJ (@RJ_Goodthings)
In discussing the Crystal Palace vs Chelsea preview, I did not predict such an energetic and dominant display from the Blues but needless to say, I was glad we were treated to such a sublime performance and deserving result. The front three were absolutely incredible and deserve all the praise they deserve. Speaking of praise, the midfield pivot in Kovacic and Jorginho also played superbly and really turned it around following a less than stellar week for them personally. I was also pleased to see Zouma take his chance well, including the goal he scored which will give Thomas Tuchel something more to ponder as Kurt’s unique aerial presence in both sides of the pitch could be something that we look to utilise on more occasions through to the end of the season. For now though, it’s about celebrating this big win and also switch our attention to the second leg of the Champions League quarter final against Porto. Come on you Blues!
Sources: transfermarkt.com, premierleague.com
Written by Rey, Noah, Vivek and RJ
Edited by Ross-John (RJ) Bonaccorsi (@RJ_Goodthings)
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