CONOR GALLAGHER shined for Chelsea as Graham Potter’s men ended their four-game streak without a win.
Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the game, heading home from a Hakim Ziyech cross.
The win lifts Chelsea level on points with Liverpool, but still middle of the pack in the Premier League.
Gallagher was Chelsea’s star man, buzzing around the middle of the park.
The England international complimented captain Jorginho well.
Gallagher showed his class in and out of possession, while showcasing his ability to drive the ball up the pitch.
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Got a nasty kick or two too, but carried on much to the distaste of the travelling Palace fans who once loved him.
Contract rebel Mason Mount, meanwhile, struggled again for Chelsea.
The 24-year-old is out of contract next summer and is said to want a new deal worth around £300,000-a-week.
But he showed little as to why he deserves such a large sum.
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Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Mbu rated the Blues.
Kepa – 8
Fantastic save in the 19th minute to deny Michael Olise’s well-struck volley.
Denied Palace again at the end of the first half with a smart reactionary save at his near post from a corner.
Was called into action late on in the second half and again denied the visitors.
Trevoh Chalobah – 5
Was the more defensive of the two full-backs.
Did his job defensively, but offered very little going forward for the Blues.
Thiago Silva – 6
Nearly handed Chelsea the lead in the 23rd minute with a sweet volley heading for the far corner but was denied by the Palace goalkeeper
Benoit Badiashile – 6
Caught out of position for Olie’s first half chance.
Not a bad debut, though. Looked good alongside Rolls Royce Silva.
Lewis Hall – 6
Nervy opening half an hour from the Chelsea youngster. Ran himself into trouble at times and lost duels to Olise.
Got better as the half went on and left Olise eating grass with a silky turn before winning a corner.
Sent a shot agonisingly wide of the post just before half-time.
Teed up Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the second half before being subbed in the 76th minute.
Jorginho – 7
Captained the Blues. Was his usual assured self.
Swept up well and kept the ball ticking in the middle of the park for his team.
Conor Gallagher – 8
Chelsea’s star of the first half; crisp passing, energy in the midfield, driving runs.
Started the second half well, feeding a good ball into Havertz, who then sent a shot straight at the keeper.
Continued to buzz around and get stuck in.
Carney Chukwuemeka – 5
Showed some good work down the channel with Hall, but ultimately struggled to make an impact.
Was taken off just after the hour mark and replaced by Aubameyang.
Hakim Ziyech – 6
Had an effort tipped over the bar just before the referee brought the opening 45 to a close.
Got the assist for Havertz’s opener with a wicked cross into Palace’s box.
Kai Havertz – 6
Had a golden opportunity to head Chelsea ahead on the half-hour mark, but his effort landed on the roof of the net.
Opened the scoring with a well placed header after 60 minutes.
Mason Mount – 5
The England international struggled to get into the game but stayed on the pitch until the end.
Rather low energy, the opposite of what is expected from him.
Subs
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (for Chukwuemeka, 62 mins) – 7
Showed some good running in behind Chelsea’s backline after coming on.
Had a shot saved at point-blank range after being played through by Jorginho.
Was a real chance magnet. Had an effort blocked by Marc Guehi.
Kalidou Koulibaly (for Hall, 76 mins) – 5
Provided some much needed height in defence as Palace staged a late assault on Kepa’s goal.
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Mateo Kovacic (for Ziyech, 87 mins) – 5
Didn’t have much time to make an impact.
Cesar Azpilicueta (for Havertz, 87 mins) – 5
Brought on to shore up the defence.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
