Player Ratings: Crystal Palace 1-3 Chelsea | Premier League

Chelsea came from behind to defeat Crystal Palace 3-1 at Selhurst Park on Monday night in the Premier League.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side bounced back to winning ways in the Premier League with a big win on the road against Roy Hodgson’s team.

Chelsea largely controlled possession in the first half but they played at a very slow tempo and were unable to create any chances.

Palace actually looked the more dangerous, and in the 30th minute Jefferson Lerma hit a superb shot from long range into the top corner to give them the lead, the visitors did not come close to finding an equaliser before half-time.

In the second 45, Chelsea responded quickly, a direct move found Malo Gusto in space down the right-hand side, his out-swinging delivery fell to Conor Gallagher who cushioned his effort into the goal to level the scoring.

The second half was a far more open affair, despite this, it looked as though the teams were not going to be separated before the full-time whistle, but Gallagher added a second goal in the 90th minute to give the Blues the lead.

There was even time for a third for the visitors, with Enzo Fernandez tucking home from close range to secure the three points.

Here is how Absolute Chelsea rated the players’ performance.

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Starting XI:

Djordje Petrovic – 6.5/10

Was beaten by a delightful first half strike from Lerma. While he could have done slightly better with that one, he did make some other solid stops.

Malo Gusto – 8/10 (84)

In the first half his end product was not quite there but he was still one of Chelsea’s few bright sparks. The second half saw him almost instantly connect with one of his crosses, he beautifully picked out Gallagher in the middle which levelled the scoring.

Thiago Silva – 5.5/10 (61)

There was one change from Chelsea’s 3-1 win against Aston Villa last week and it was the re-introduction of Silva in the back four. While the defender helped the Blues largely dominate possession, he was guilty of setting to slow of a tempo which in turn limited the chances the west Londoners were able to create.

Axel Disasi – 5.5/10

Struggled with the physical task of marking Jean-Philippe Mateta, the French forward caused his fellow countryman a lot of issues. In the second half he settled down but he needs to be much stronger and more sensible defensively. Was greatly enjoying the celebrations after the late goals.

Ben Chilwell – 5/10

Did not see anywhere near as much of the ball as his counterpart on the other side of the pitch. Good to see him building fitness and becoming a constant figure in the side.

Enzo Fernandez – 7/10

The Argentine wrapped up all three points at Selhurst Park with a composed finish at the death against Palace. In the first half, when Chelsea were very poor, he was looking to make things happen, he did not quite have the quality in his passes though.

Moises Caicedo – 5.5/10

Started the game well by winning the ball back and helping the blues maintain possession but was also guilty of slowing the pace. Similarly to Madueke, he was a factor in the opening goal for the hosts by being too soft in possession. Delivered a better second half performance.

Conor Gallagher – 8.5/10

After scoring against Aston Villa in the FA Cup, the midfielder went one better against Palace. He levelled the game at the start of the half and then scored a second in the 90th minute to get the Blues all three points. Took his goals extremely confidently, it would be a large help to the Blues if he can begin to crop up with a few more of those.

Noni Madueke – 4/10 (45)

Faffed around with the ball in a dangerous position in the first half and paid the price, he was dispossessed just outside his own box which led to Lerma scoring a wondergoal to make it 1-0. Attacking wise he showed good flashes, but he was subbed at the interval.

Cole Palmer – 6/10

There was little involvement for Palmer in the first half, but him shifting over to the right in the second half saw him play a bigger role. He linked up well with Gusto, creating crafty moves down the wing.

Nicolas Jackson – 5/10 (79)

The Senegalese forward did not get much in the way of service in the contest. If he wants to be the leading man for Chelsea he needs to be much more involved. Picked up his ninth yellow card of the season, one more will be a suspension.

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Bench:

Christopher Nkunku – 6/10 (46)

Showed flashes once he came on and greatly improved Chelsea’s overall flow going forward. Will want to have even more of an impact in his next appearance

Levi Colwill – 5.5/10 (61)

Replaced Silva who came off injured early on in the second half, was not troubled too much.

Raheem Sterling – 6/10 (79)

Had a golden chance late on but struggled to get the ball out of his feet. Played a pivotal part in Chelsea’s second.

Alfie Gilchrist – 5.5/10 (84)

More minutes off the bench for the young defender.