Chelsea closed to within two points of Premier League leaders Arsenal, but endured an uncomfortable afternoon against relegation-strugglers Crystal Palace. Struggling for form of late, Chelsea were again far from convincing, but, unlike against Stoke City last week, they were able to claim what could be a vital three points. Fernando Torres and Ramires provided the goals in the first-half, either side of a fine equalizer from Marouane Chamakh.
Once more, Jose Mourinho will again be concerned by how fragile his side looked defensively. The visitors, on the back of their dramatic upturn in for under Tony Pulis, came close on several occasions to getting back on level terms once more in the second half. And, while Chelsea dominated possession and had Eden Hazard in fine form, they again lacked any real presence up front, with Torres all-but anonymous apart for his goal.
Given their struggles, Mourinho may be somewhat perplexed that his side are now within striking distance of the Premier League summit heading into their clash with Arsenal a week on Monday. Currently they are playing with a very un-Mourinho-like efficiency, but if they can get things right then there is much about which to be optimistic in this roller-coaster Premier League season.
More to follow.
All Goals - Chelsea 2-1 Crystal Palace - 14-12... by video4all
VIDEO Chelsea 2-1 Crystal Palace: Highlights; Torres And Ramires Goals Enough For Blues To Hang On For Vital Win
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