CHELSEA romped home to a 4-0 win over Crystal Palace as goals from Ben Chilwell, Kurt Zouma and Jorginho downed the Eagles.
The Blues picked up a much-needed three points after being without a Premier League victory since the opener against Brighton.
Ben Chilwell scored and kept a clean sheet on his first Premier League start for ChelseaCredit: Reuters
The Blues summer signing rifled home the first after the breakCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Chilwell then provided the cross for fellow defender Kurt Zouma to head homeCredit: PA:Press Association
Frank Lampard’s much-changed side then fell to a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool before a disappointing 3-3 draw away at West Brom.
But on a week where Chelsea also crashed out of the Carabao Cup, the Blues were back in their groove in style against their London rivals.
Chilwell drilled home to put Chelsea ahead following a cagey, goalless first half, before laying on Kurt Zouma’s header.
Jorginho then stroked home two penalties in four minutes to seal a comfortable Chelsea win, their first home victory in the new league campaign.
The Italy midfielder had missed from the spot against Liverpool but delivered twice here, courtesy of his trademark skip-step run-up.
Palace’s stifling tactics started well before kick-off, with the Eagles late out of the changing rooms to leave Chelsea’s quizzical players waving their arms in frustration.
The Blues dominated possession but again lacked the speed of passing or fluidity of movement to break down the extremely well-drilled visitors.
The stalemate was lifted quickly after the restart, however, when Chilwell drilled home sweetly for the hosts.
Jorginho grabbed a double with two penaltiesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Hudson-Odoi lost then recovered the ball in the Palace box and laid off to Azpilicueta, and his deflected shot lofted across the box.
Abraham muscled his way to a smart flick-on, allowing the onrushing Chilwell to blast into the net.
Chelsea should have doubled their lead minutes later, but the unmarked Zouma could only head wide from Chilwell’s inch-perfect corner.
Zouma quickly atoned for that glaring miss by nodding home another Chilwell cross however, easing personal and collective Chelsea frustrations as the hosts took control.
Abraham should have made it three when thumping a header after Hudson-Odoi had skinned Tyrick Mitchell and delivered a fine cross.
The England striker won a penalty shortly afterwards though, drawing a foul from Mitchell.
Jorginho duly stepped up and converted in his typical calm fashion, leaving Chelsea in total control heading into the final stages.
Four minutes later Jorginho was hopping and skipping his way to another penalty goal, but only after Abraham had tried to swipe the spot-kick.
Skipper Azpilicueta was having none of it, calmly removing the ball from Abraham’s grasp and handing it to Jorginho.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
