Jack Butland - 6
Had very little to do in the first half but was sharp off his line early in the second period to halt Timo Werner in the box. Could do little to stop either of the Chelsea goals.
Joel Ward - 6
Straight into the starting XI for Palace's biggest game of the season and in an unfamiliar wing-back role that matched him up against Marcos Alonso.
Marc Guehi - 6
Had to recover from a few early mistakes that saw him lose possession inside the first 10 minutes. Combined with Butland well early in the second half to shepherd Werner off the ball.
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Cheikhou Kouyate - 6
Had the best chance of the first half with his powerful, driven effort towards the corner which Edouard Mendy did well to get down and stop. Had a free header in the second half he should have put on target before a poor touch brought an end to an attack that would have seen him clean through later on.
Joachim Andersen - 6
Was offside when hitting the post from the rebound of Kouyate's effort in the first half. Should have halved the deficit in the second half when he was free at the back post from a corner. Sent the ball over the bar when it looked easier to score.
Tyrick Mitchell - 6
Started really well despite his recent injury and made some important early interceptions. Had to play the full 90 minutes but didn't look as sharp going forward in the second period and was partly at fault for giving away the ball for the opener, though redeemed that somewhat with a block from Ziyech on the goalline later on.
James McArthur - 7
Created much of the early tempo for Palace with several good tackles and passes upfield to start attacks. Had to be taken off in the second period with his legs clearly going.
Jeffrey Schlupp - 6
Broke up play a number of times and was, along with Eze, always looking to play the ball behind Chelsea's backline for the onrushing Zaha in the first half. Influence wained in the second period before his substitution.
Ebere Eze - 7
Provided a good creative spark in midfield and was targeted a few times by Chelsea players eager to break up play as Palace got the ball forward. It will be a steep learning curve for him but should do him the world of good getting 90 minutes again.
Wilfried Zaha - 7
Looked up for the right against the Blues and got stuck in trying to push them up the pitch.
Jean-Philippe Mateta - 7
Could tell this was a huge game and played accordingly. Threw himself around and looked like one of the only strikers this season to give Antonio Rudiger as good as he got physically. Didn't manage to get a strike on goal away but, playing in a completely unfamiliar system, was always running and stretching the Chelsea defence - something Palace missed sorely when he came off.
Substitutes
Jordan Ayew (for Mateta 55') - 5
Was brought on so Palace could switch to a 5-4-1 which inadvertently handed Chelsea more control of the game. Failed to contribute much going forward.
Michael Olise (for McArthur 71') - N/A
Made some neat touches and tried to get Palace moving again after conceding.
Christian Benteke (for Schlupp 71') - N/A
Offered as much as a player who has barely featured all season could expect to offer.
