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Chelsea logo
Premier League
Aug 29, 2015 at 3pm UK
 
Crystal Palace logo

1-2

Falcao (79')
FT(HT: 0-0)
Sako (65'), Ward (81')

Player Ratings: Chelsea 1-2 Crystal Palace

Sports Mole rates the best and worst players from the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace.

Chelsea suffered a shock 2-1 defeat in their Premier League match against London rivals Crystal Palace.

Bakary Sako fired the Eagles in front after his initial strike had been blocked, but Radamel Falcao levelled for the Blues with a near-post header from Pedro's cross.

With nine minutes left to play the visitors retook the lead as Joel Ward headed in from close range to secure his side's first win at Chelsea in 33 years.

Here, Sports Mole rates the best and worst performances from Stamford Bridge.


Radamel Falcao of Chelsea celebrates scoring chelsea's first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace on August 29, 2015© Getty Images

CHELEA

Goal

Thibaut Courtois: Made a fine save to deny Cabaye in the first half, but was left exposed by his defence after the break and had no chance with either of Palace's goals. (6/10)

Defence

Branislav Ivanovic: Given problems by Sako and Bolasie all afternoon and could not deal with the pace of Palace's attack. His positioning was also poor and it will be a worry for his manager. (5/10)

Gary Cahill: Dealt well with the threat of Wickham, but struggled to command the defence in the absence of Terry. (6/10)

Kurt Zouma: Was caught out of position on a number of occasions by the visitors in the second half and was slow to react to both of the goals. (5/10)

Cesar Azpilicueta: Produced a solid performance down his flank and almost set up a goal for Costa in the first half, before being replaced by Kenedy after Chelsea conceded. (6/10)

Midfield

Cesc Fabregas: Saw plenty of the ball, but failed stamp his authority on the match and create any telling chances for his teammates. (6/10)

Nemanja Matic: The Serb was overrun in the centre of the pitch and lacked composure before he was replaced by Loftus-Cheek in the second half. (5/10)

Eden Hazard: Struggled to get into the match and was well marshalled by the Palace defence. It was another under-par showing from last season's PFA Player of the Year. (5/10)

Willian: Another of Chelsea's creative players who struggled this afternoon. He made very little impact and was replaced after the break by Falcao. (5/10)

Pedro: Chelsea's best player of the match. Set up the goal for Falcao with a fine cross to the near post and came close to scoring in the first half. (7/10)

Attack

Diego Costa: Battling display from the striker, who improved as the match wore on. However, he was given little support from his teammates and did not have any decent chances to score. (6/10)

Substitutes

Kenedy: Came on for Azpilicueta and saw a powerful attempt blocked by the keeper. (6/10)

Ruben Loftus-Cheek: Struggled to cope under pressure from the Palace midfield when he replaced Matic. (6/10)

Radamel Falcao: Made an immediate impact after coming of the bench with a fine diving header to level the scores. (7/10)


Joel Ward of Crystal Palace celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on August 29, 2015© Getty Images

CRYSTAL PALACE

Goal

Alex McCarthy: Made some important saves throughout the match and commanded his area well. (7/10)

Defence

Joel Ward: Scored the winning goal for Palace with a superb header late on. He also ensured that Hazard was kept quiet all afternoon and was never beaten down his flank. (8/10)

Damien Delaney: Fine display from the Irishman, who made a number of crucial blocks and tackles. He was strong in the challenge and kept Costa from having a sniff at goal. (9/10)

Scott Dann: Another fine display from a Palace defender. He helped his team to keep a solid line at the back and cleared everything that came his way. (8/10)

Pape Souare: Was rarely beaten down his side of the pitch and looked to support his teammates going forward whenever he had the chance. (7/10)

Midfield

Yohan Cabaye: Should have given Palace the lead in the first half when his close-range effort was saved by Courtois, but used the ball well throughout. (6/10)

James McArthur: Showed good composure in the centre of the pitch and made some crucial challenges. (7/10)

Jason Puncheon: Struggled to get past Azpilicueta, but put in a good shift for the Eagles. (6/10)

Attack

Bakary Sako: Caused Chelea's defence no end of problems with his direct runs down the flank. He also scored his team's breakthrough goal with a well-taken finish and set up the winner for Ward. (9/10)

Wilfried Zaha: Gave his team a good outlet on the wing, but never seriously troubled the opposition defence and was replaced by Bolasie early in the second half. (6/10)

Connor Wickham: Led the line well for Palace and worked hard without making too much impact. (6/10)

Substitutes

Yannick Bolasie: Changed the game when he was brought on after the break. He set up the first goal with a great run and cross down the left, before his teasing delivery to the back post led to the second goal. (9/10)

Joe Ledley: Helped Palace to see out the match when he was brought on in the closing stages. (6/10)

Lee Chung-Yong: Slotted well into the Palace midfield for the final minutes. (6/10)


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Crystal Palace's English manager Alan Pardew shakes hands with Chelsea's Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho after the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge in London on August 29, 2015
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