CHELSEA were once again guilty of showing their inconsistent side at Stamford Bridge against a visiting Crystal Palace.
Nicolas Jackson celebrated signing a nine-year deal by scoring the opener after 25 minutes when Cole Palmer smartly squared a ball across goal to set his team-mate up for a tap-in.
Enzo Maresca’s side appeared to be in cruise control going into the break. But the visitors soon exploded into life in the second half.
And Eberechi Eze had the Eagles soaring as he made the most of an embarrassment of space on the edge of the area before curling a shot into the top corner beyond the full stretch of Robert Sanchez.
Chelsea were unable to get a late winner with Dean Henderson in top form, but the performance of some players has left Maresca with food for thought following the international break.
Here’s how SunSport’s John West rated the Blues.
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Robert Sanchez – 6
Was so well protected had little to do for huge chunks of the match. Made an early save to deny Adam Wharton and given no chance by Eberechi Eze’s leveller.
Made vital if rather unconvincing stop to prevent Daichi Kamada firing the Eagles ahead.
Malo Gusto – 7
Helped keep Eze quiet for so long. ‘Inverted’ himself into midfield when the opportunity arose, which it did often.
Hurt repelling a second-half attack when Palace were on top and had to go off.
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Wesley Fofana – 7
Was enjoying a comfortable afternoon at the back for quite a while.
Did well to block the shot that Eze buried on the rebound.
Levi Colwill – 7
Occasionally wayward with his distribution, the centre-back came close to heading his side 2-0 in front early in the second half.
Kept Jean-Philippe Mateta at bay.
Marc Cucurella – 7
The man no longer as keen as before on singing about Erling Haaland was barracked constantly by the Palace fans.
The ex-Brighton man didn’t do a whole lot wrong though.
Moises Caicedo – 6
The £100million foul machine clocked up a few more for his collection.
Put in much effort, as usual, without looking anything like an elite player. As usual.
Enzo Fernandez – 6
The man who wears the armband at Stamford Bridge these days always made himself available and worked hard off the ball but, like Caicedo, you expect a bit more for the money.
Especially as a World Cup winner.
Noni Madueke – 6
Public enemy number one in the Wolverhampton region celebrated his first England call-up with a couple of near misses before helping set up the opener.
Was hardly involved after the break however.
Cole Palmer – 6
Presented beforehand with the PFA Young Player of the Year trophy he won last season. The man who signed exactly a year ago added an assist to his CV within 20 or so minutes but found magic hard to conjure after that.
Wayward pass off the pitch that was meant for Fofana summed up his waning influence on the game.
Pedro Neto – 5
A first Premier League start for the ex-Wolves man saw him booked within eight minutes and hooked before the hour mark for Joao Felix.
Showed quick feet and a willingness to get a cross in but no end product from this outing.
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Nicolas Jackson – 6
It was reported beforehand that the striker has agreed a new contract to keep him at the club until 2033. Nine more years? Fine if he carries on scoring like this.
Disappeared for much of the second period but could have, should won it in stoppage time. Failed to beat the keeper when through however.
Subs
Joao Felix (59mins) on for Neto – 4
Mykhailo Mudryk (74mins) on for Gusto – 3
Christopher Nkunku (86mins) on for Madueke – 3
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
