English Premier League
Result: Chelsea 2-1 Crystal Palace
Date: 10 March 2018
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Chelsea returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.
Olivier Giroud was handed a start upfront for the Blues, while Alvaro Morata remained rooted to the foot of the table.
The home side threatened in the early stages with Giroud and Willian going close in the opening 10 minutes.
Chelsea eventyally made their dominance count in the 24th minute as Willian unleashed a low strike that deflected past Wayne Hennessey.
The lead was doubled six minutes later when Martin Kelly diverted Davide Zappacosta's low cross into his own net, 2-0.
The Blues did go close to bagging a third goal just before the break but Giroud saw his effort cleared off the line by James Tomkins.
Three minutes into the second half, Palace nearly pulled a goal back when Alexander Sorloth rattled the crossbar from close range.
Despite the early chance for Palace, the Blues largely dominated in the second as they pushed for a third goal in the encounter.
They went close on 70 minutes as un-marked Giroud could only strike the upright after being picked out at the far post.
Giroud was replaced five minutes later, with Morata taking his place for the final 15 minutes.
Palace did pull a goal back through Patrick Van Aanholt in second-half stoppage time, but the Blues managed to hold on for the win.
