Before the match, Paul Merson said that Chelsea would be majorly disappointed and would have missed an opportunity had they failed to beat a Crystal Palace side in this state.
Chelsea were strong favourites against a side that had lost their defensive rock and captain, in Marc Guehi. Manager Oliver Glasner has called out the board and also admitted he will leave in the summer.
Palace have lost to non-league opponents in the FA Cup, and their form has dipped over Christmas. It was the perfect time to play Palace and for Liam Rosenior, that meant the pressure was on him to get a win.
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Four wins out of five for Rosenior!
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But Chelsea duly delivered, despite Rosenior making a further six changes given the Blues faced Pafos on Wednesday night and take on Napoli next week. Estevao sparkled, but another starred under the radar.
Estevao takes the plaudits, but only because of Chelsea pal
A goal and an assist for Estevao played a large part in the win, while Joao Pedro scored and won a penalty which another South American, in Enzo Fernandez, duly tucked into the corner past Dean Henderson.
Andrey Santos v Palace.
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Estevao takes the plaudits including from Rosenior himself, after netting his sixth Chelsea goal and only his third in the Premier League. But £18m Chelsea star Andrey Santos was superb in central midfield.
Often, for an away team to win in the Premier League, the midfield battle dictates their chances. The fact Adam Wharton got sent off and Santos touched the ball 86 times – third most – tells a story in itself.
There is no doubt that since returning from his loan under Rosenior at Strasbourg, Santos has struggled to find a position for himself. But today, back under Rosenior, Santos produced his best Chelsea display.
Andrey Santos’ stats for Chelsea in win against Palace
The stats prove as much. While his performance might not have included the big moments or was as glamorous as Estevao’s, it was the things that a selfless member of the team has to do to get a win.
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A whopping 15 defensive contributions, more than any other player on the pitch. Chelsea remained in control in midfield even after Moises Caicedo picked up a yellow, and that was due to Santos’ presence.
Most interceptions with a huge five throughout his 90 minutes, while Santos also won three tackles – a joint second of all players – and won most duels, joint first. A FotMob rating of 7.5, joint fifth.
If Rosenior wants to be a touch pragmatic against Napoli next week and play using Enzo as a 10 like he did at Palace, then starting Santos might be the key. Judging by today, he will certainly have confidence.
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