Crystal Palace player ratings after 2-1 defeat to Chelsea – Wilf Zaha loses Reece James battle and Eberechi Eze shines in first half

A late strike from former Crystal Palace loanee Conor Gallagher handed Graham Potter a win in his first game in charge of Chelsea.

Here are Edmund Brack’s Crystal Palace player ratings from Selhurst Park:

Vicente Guaita – 6

The Spanish goalkeeper only faced two real shots on target during the 90 minutes – there was nothing he could do about Gallagher’s stunning shot.

He had an uncomfortable moment in the first half with Joel Ward, gathering a backpass from the right-back and allowing Chelsea the chance to take aim at goal from an indirect free-kick in the penalty area.

Nathaniel Clyne – 5

Was forced off just before half-time after landing awkwardly when jumping for the ball with Thiago Silva. Unfortunately for Clyne, Silva’s ability to win the aerial dual allowed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang the opportunity to find Chelsea’s equaliser.

Joel Ward – 8

Joel Ward produced an excellent defensive display, whether he was filling in at centre-back for the injured Joachim Andersen or returning to his natural right-back role after Clyne went off. Solid and consistent in his defensive duties throughout the 90 minutes.

Marc Guehi – 7 

He made three blocks during the 90 minutes and marshalled the defence. The 22-year-old was the best centre-back with previous Chelsea connections on the pitch. Produced a Maldini-esque sliding challenge in the 77th minute to stop Chelsea from having an effort at goal.

Tyrick Mitchell – 5

It was always going to be a tough afternoon for Tyrick Mitchell up against Raheem Sterling. The Palace left-back lost possession twice, with Sterling having a chance in the second half to punish Mitchell for a misplaced pass.

Cheick Doucoure – 6 

Fairly quiet game for the summer signing from Lens. He moved the ball well when he had possession and had the best pass success rate – 90 per cent – of any Palace player. Unable to break up the congested midfield and failed to register a single tackle all afternoon.

Eberechi Eze – 7

The Greenwich-born playmaker was the best player on the pitch in the first half. He got himself into really intelligent spaces for shooting chances and forced Kepa into two smart saves. 

Featuring in a deeper ‘number eight’ role, Eze also did the dirty work well and got back to help Doucoure with the defensive duties. 

He faded during the second half and was replaced by Jeffrey Schlupp in the 74th minute.

Michael Olise – 6

Arguably Palace’s brightest spark when in possession and driving towards goal, but he lacked the killer instinct, which he showed last year on many occasions, to find a deadly pass or real shooting chance.

He lost possession five times, which was the most of any Palace player.

Wilfried Zaha – 5

Lost his battle with Reece James, who forced Zaha to switch wings in the second half to take on Ben Chilwell.

Looked a lot better up against the England left-back and created opportunities, but the Eagles failed to convert.

Odsonne Edouard – 7 

Took his goal well in the seventh minute and was key to the first-half pressing, which allowed Palace to force Chelsea into mistakes.

Like most of the team, he was unable to have an impact in the second 45.

Jordan Ayew – 7 

Ayew was also integral to the first-half press. The Ghanaian whipped in an excellent cross for Edouard’s opener and almost reduced Chelsea to 10 men after he capitalised on Thiago Silva’s lapse in concentration.

SUBS:

James Tomkins – 7 

The 33-year-old was excellent. Coming in for his first appearance this season, Tomkins seamlessly slotted in alongside Guehi and deserved to come away with a point for his defensive display. Made two important clearances in the second half.

Jeffrey Schlupp – 5 

Failed to make a significant impact during his 15 minutes on the pitch.