Chelsea v Palace player ratings

Chelsea’s narrow win moved them to within two points of Premier League leaders Arsenal, who they face at the Emirates Stadium a week on Monday. Here’s how we rated the players in their 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace.

Petr Cech: 8
The keeper made important saves at key times, denying Jason Puncheon and Damien Delaney. Commanded his area very well during an anxious second-half spell for the Blues.

Branislav Ivanovic: 7
His crossing was wayward and had he hit the target when put through by Juan Mata’s clever back-heel in the first half it would probably have been a much more comfortable afternoon for Chelsea. But that miss came about because he was always eager to get forward and offered his team a constant outlet on the right-hand side.

David Luiz: 7
A solid performance from the Brazilian, who stuck to his task well at the back and was sensible on the ball.

John Terry: 7
Saved the day with a number of vital challenges, not least in a frenetic scramble in the closing minutes. Could have done better for Palace’s equaliser, when he was caught a little flat-footed.

Cesar Azpilicueta: 7
Not always comfortable at left-back, which is hardly surprisingly. Made a good contribution though, defending resolutely during a second-half spell of Palace pressure and was willing to get forward too.

Michael Essien: 7
Aside from an awful error in the first minute of his previous outing, against Southampton, Essien has rolled back the years with his recent appearances. Strong in the tackle – too much so at times – and reliable with his passing.

Ramires: 7
Worked tirelessly as usual – and needed to against a committed Palace side. Scored with a great strike but made a complete mess of a couple of late chances.

Eden Hazard: 7
Not at his electrifying best but was a consistent threat to the Eagles defence with his close control and his movement off the ball. Supplied Ramires for the winner.

Willian: 8
An excellent performance from the summer signing, who seems to be growing in stature with each game. His pace and directness make him a constant threat and he also gets through a phenomenal amount of work, popping up on either flank and dropping deep to shore things up in midfield when needed. Took the game by the scruff of the neck after Palace managed to frustrate Chelsea in the opening stages and his long-range shot led to Fernando Torres making it 1-0.

Juan Mata: 7
Showed moments of pure class while he was on, including a great piece of skill to set up Ivanovic. But he did switch off defensively a few times, which won’t have amused his manager.

Fernando Torres: 7
Led the line well and hit the net with a predatory finish after Willian’s effort had hit the post. Deserved the stranding ovation he received when substituted late on.

Oscar: 6
Wasn’t really able to get into the game after replacing Mata just after the hour mark.

Crystal Palace
Chelsea’s two goals were the result of long-range shots. That was partly because of some poor finishing, but also because Palace were very well organised and kept the home side at bay, especially in the opening stages. And they were ambitious going forward too, constantly looking to hit on the break before really coming on strong during a second-half spell of pressure in which they were unlucky not to find a second equaliser. Written off prior to Tony Pulis’ recent appointment as manager, they have a fighting chance on the evidence of this game.

Man of the match
Willian

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