Chelsea headed into the game in dire need of three points.
The Blues had won just one of their last eight before Sunday and pressure is mounting on Graham Potter.
And when all was said and done vs Crystal Palace, Chelsea eked out a 1-0 win.
Chelsea started the better of the two sides, with Mason Mount and Hakim Ziyech linking up well on either flank.
However, the Blues once again lacked that killer edge in front of goal, with Kai Havertz not suited to being the main focal point of attack.
Crystal Palace grew into the tie and forced a few good saves out of Kepa, but it was largely Chelsea who had the better of the first 45.
Palace pressed for an equaliser, with Doucoure forcing a good save out of Kepa late on but the Eagles could not find the back of the net.
Player ratings
Chelsea
- GK: Kepa (8)
- RB: Trevoh Chalobah (7)
- CB: Thiago Silva (7)
- CB: Benoit Badiashile (7)
- LB: Lewis Hall (7)
- CM: Conor Gallagher (6.5)
- CM: Jorginho (6)
- CM: Carney Chukwuemeka (6)
- RW: Hakim Ziyech (8)
- ST: Kai Havertz (6.5)
- LW: Mason Mount (5.5)
Substitutes
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (5)
- Kalidou Koulibably (5)
- Mateo Kovacic (N/A)
- Cesar Azpilicutea (N/A)
Crystal Palace
- GK: Vicente Guaita (6.5)
- RB: Nathaniel Clyne (5)
- CB: Joachim Andersen (5)
- CB: Marc Guehi (5.5)
- LB: Tyreck Mitchell (5)
- CDM: Cheick Doucoure (5)
- CDM: Jeffrey Schlupp (5.5)
- CAM: Eberechi Eze (6)
- RW: Michael Olise (5.5)
- ST: Jordan Ayew (5)
- LW: Wilfried Zaha (4.5)
Substitutes
- James Tomkins (4.5)
- Odsonne Edouard (5)
- Jean-Philippe Mateta (4)
- Will Hughes (4)
Match reaction
Kepa Arrizabalaga’s first half by numbers vs. Fulham:
100% pass accuracy
100% aerial duels won
25 touches
17 passes completed
3 saves
2/2 sweeper keepers
2 saves from inside the box
2 clearancesMade some important saves. 🧤 pic.twitter.com/Lbdgpkq4xr
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) January 15, 2023
Chelsea are playing well but wasteful in the final third – a mixture of poor touches, bad final balls and missed chances.
Maybe something that will come with confidence but all those playing must feel very replaceable right now with Mudryk watching on after signing Felix. #CFC
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) January 15, 2023
Ziyech is playing with a bit of swagger today.
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) January 15, 2023
Havertz gets away with so much man.
— #FreeCaicedo (@SASCFC) January 15, 2023
Chelsea fans will watch Ziyech play like this and still crucify him
— kad (@Kwabs_00) January 15, 2023
We’re creating chances, but we are winning #CFC this team is so frustrating
— MarvelChels (@Potus533) January 15, 2023
Kai Havertz now has 2 goals and 2 assists against Crystal Palace in 6 Premier League appearances. He has not had a better goal involvement return against any other Premier League club.
Back in the goals. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/ZXCZBp26u1
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) January 15, 2023
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