‘Better in both boxes’ – Marc Guehi’s assessment after Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace

Marc Guehi admitted his former side Chelsea were better in both boxes during their 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday.

The Blues sealed all three points at Stamford Bridge thanks to a 64th-minute header from Kai Havertz.

Chelsea’s defence made 19 clearances during the 90 minutes and limited Palace to just five shots at Kepa’s goal.

Graham Potter’s side had more shots in total [15] compared to Palace’s 10, but the Blues were wasteful with their opportunities.

Palace face Manchester United and Newcastle at Selhurst Park this week.

“We definitely played well and we definitely competed with them – it’s always a difficult place to come to,” said Guehi, who came through at Chelsea before completing his £20million switch to Palace last summer, to PLP.

“We showed that spirit and that togetherness in the game – it’s unfortunate that we didn’t come away with at least a point in the game.

“On the whole, our performance deserved a point, but football is a harsh world – it comes down to the details and to both boxes. 

“In both boxes, they were just better. We competed well – we definitely stayed in the game. We created a few chances ourselves, knowing full well we were up against a good team. At half-time, we felt good.

“It’s just frustrating to give away a goal anyway – it doesn’t matter how it comes.

“We just have to keep going as a team, keep positive and hopefully we will get some results.

“Every game you take as it comes, and you learn from each game as it comes. It’s definitely something we will learn from. It could easily have turned in this game.”