EPL 2017/18: Crystal Palace 2-1 Chelsea: 5 talking points
Roy Hodgson has never faced a more demanding challenge in his managerial career than what he is currently experiencing. And just to make matters harder, his relegation-riddled Crystal Palace team welcomed a tough challenge in the Premier League Champions to Selhurst Park.
However, after a surprisingly bright start, Crystal Palace took the lead through a Yohan Cabaye strike in the 11th minute. However, their joy was short-lived as the PL Champions equalised seven minutes later through a Tiemoue Bakayoko header from a Cesc Fabregas corner.
Before halftime, a piece of Wilfred Zaha magic shockingly put the Eagles 2-1 up. This lead was enough to see the Eagles through until full time.
Crystal Palace have now won their first game of the season and incredibly, it’s come against the reigning Champions. The win still leaves Palace at the bottom of the table, but it’s a huge step in the right direction. As for Chelsea, they now trail Manchester City by 9 points.
Here are the five biggest talking points from the game.
#5 Tiemoue Bakayoko could become a constant threat from set-pieces
As a reserved box-to-box midfielder in a counter-attacking 3-4-3 system, Tiemoue Bakayoko was never going to be an attacking threat at Chelsea. In his previous 6 appearances, the Frenchman has only assisted once, averaging 57 touches per match.
However, for a man of his physical stature, he should be scoring many more headers. And at Selhurst Park, he decided to capitalise on that physical advantage. In the 18th minute, the 6 foot 2 powerhouse leaped above the Palace defence to equalise for the Champions.
If the Frenchman can become an asset from set pieces, he’ll provide Antonio Conte with an fresh weapon.