How did both lineups?
[team 18] gave a debut to the signing from France [player 99137]. Skipper [player 1330] started at right-back with debutant [player 1601] on the left. In form, [player 1316] partnered [player 95792] in the center of the defense despite his horrible mistake against [team 10]. [player 1193] and [player 129511] played in the defensive midfield role with youngster [player 32612] being deployed in the no.10 spot. [player 3139] started up front alongside the two wingers [player 2875858] and [player 31823], in a 4-2-3-1.
The away side had Spaniard [player 185723] in goal with [player 1386] and [player 1243] partnering in front of him. Youngster [player 4598710] and [player 692] began at left-back and right-back, respectively. The midfield had new flair signing [player 7643] on the left-wing and in form [player 1249] o the right. [player 526] and [player 498] started in central midfield with [player 1038] partnering talisman [player 1108] in a straight 4-4-2.
Fixture details: [fixture 16924627]
Excitement for Chelsea fans?
Chelsea, overall, played a good game with not many major mistakes. However, their first-half performance wasn’t comprehensive. [coach 95]’s side ball movement was pedestrian and lacked penetration in the first half. It was relatively easy for [team 51] to stay in their shape. Chelsea had no answers to a stubborn defensive setup. At the half-time whistle, no one in the stadium could have predicted what was to follow in the second 45.
Chelsea started the second half much faster and on the front foot. Jorginho began to get on the ball and pick out some effective balls in behind the Palace defense. The deadlock was broken in the minute 50’ as Ben Chilwell scored a well-executed volley that came after a shambolic piece of defending from the away side.
Sixteen minutes later, Chilwell was involved again as he assisted Zouma’s goal with a delightful cross from the left. The Frenchman scored his second goal of the new season already and looks well trusted by his boss. Chelsea Later scored two in the space of four minutes with Jorginho scoring both of them from the spot.
Later, [player 32438] got a few minutes as he returns to full fitness to help Chelsea gather some form going forward.
They had 70% possession throughout the game. Chelsea also recorded 17 shots, and 6 of them were on target. Overall, a convincing performance for Frank’s side and was perfectly complimented with a clean-sheet.
How bad was that performance for Palace?
[coach 4592176] will be hugely frustrated with his side’s performance. Coming into the game, Palace were looking dangerous after two consecutive wins at the start. Both sides’ recent forms were looking rather negative for Chelsea and positive for Palace. However, this performance might force Hodgson to make one or two bold decisions in his upcoming match’s lineup.
The Eagles recorded only 4 shots in the whole game and ended up with 30% possession to their name. Palace are known for giving up possession and counter teams with pace, but nothing existed at the Stamford Bridge.
After an impressive start, a lot of work to be done for Roy Hodgson, and a few changes might be needed.
