5 Things Learned: Crystal Palace 1-3 Chelsea | Premier League

Chelsea emerged as 3-1 victors in a London derby against Crystal Palace on Monday night in the Premier League.

Mauricio Pochettino’s Blues fought back in the second half from a goal down to defeat Roy Hodgson’s side at Selhurst Park.

The west Londoners were able to control the possession against the Eagles comfortably, but they struggled to create chances in the opening 45.

It was in fact the home side who took the lead in the first half, a stunning strike from range by Jefferson Lerma fired Palace in front, and they held onto their advantage at half-time.

In the second half, Chelsea pulled back level almost instantly, Malo Gusto’s cross found Conor Gallagher who guided his strike into the net.

Gallagher was on the scoresheet once again in the closing moments of the contest, Cole Palmer found him on the edge of the area and he swept home to give the Blues the advantage.

At the death, Enzo Fernandez netted to make it 3-1 and wrap up all the points for the visitors.

Here are five things Absolute Chelsea learned from the win.

1) One attempt in the first half

Chelsea’s first half performance against the Eagles was extremely underwhelming.

Despite having nearly 80% of the ball in the opening 45 the Blues mustered just one shot compared to Palace’s six.

The pace from the visitors was far too slow and they lacked the cutting edge in the final third, this made the hosts realise they were there for the taking.

2) Gusto a bright spark

While it was not a fantastic display from the Blues, Gusto was a constant threat down the right-hand side.

His delivery to find Gallagher for Chelsea’s equaliser was perfect and he continued to fire in crosses throughout the second half.

With the confidence he displays on the defensive side as well it is hard to believe he is just 20-years-old, superb performance.

3) Chelsea find a way

After a dismal first half, Chelsea looked in big trouble, but they managed to fight back and take all three points on the road.

Even in the second half, after Gallagher had tied the scoring, it looked as though the Blues were going to come away with just a point, but the west Londoners found a way to get the win.

Gallagher and Fernandez’s late goals secured the points and the Blues made it back-to-back away wins against Premier League opposition.

4) Inconsistent performances and results will continue

This Chelsea side is by no means the finished article, throughout the season they have been inconsistent and it looks as though it is a trend that is going to continue.

The west Londoners looked fantastic in their win against Aston Villa in the FA Cup last week but in the first half against Palace they were extremely lacklustre.

Fortunately, they turned this one around in the second half, but they need to perform at this level on a more consistent basis.

5) Chelsea must play at a quicker pace

When the Blues attack with more pace, they look a completely different side.

In the first half, they were sluggish and slow in possession, but in the second half they came out the gates a lot quicker, a direct move saw Gusto swing in a lovely cross to find Gallagher for the equaliser.

They looked far more dangerous throughout the second half, and although they could not find the winner there were far more positives.