Chelsea 4-0 Crystal Palace, Premier League: Statistical Review and Analysis

Thorough clinical and professional performance brought home three much-needed points. Despite the score, the performance was based on defensive solidity rather than attack cheekiness. Chelsea silenced Crystal Palace, which had already caused problems for Manchester United, Everton and Southampton this season, and limited them to virtually no opportunity.

The first half was a relatively moderate affair, with Chelsea taking a lot of shots but not many clear chances. It also took a moment of luck to open the scoring, with Hudson-Odoi’s perseverance keeping the ball in the box before Palace’s defense failed to cope with a blocked shot. Chilwell pounced on him and continued the recent tradition of Chelsea defenders scoring vital goals.

Chilwell also played an important role in the second goal: it was his cross from a clear angle that was met by a powerful header from Zouma. Chelsea was in control from this point and Jorginho converted two penalties, won by Abraham and Havertz, to make the score comfortable.

Although Abraham and Werner had the right to ask for a penalty, Jorginho’s eagerness to score cannot fail either. Should he have given others a chance, especially 3-0 up, to score and boost his confidence? Yes. Was your desire to score wrong? Not.

It would have been better to see a leader be more magnanimous, but at the end of the day, Jorginho is also a competitor. It is not a major issue and the parties involved will have already moved.

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Frank Lampard

He did the team selection well and let Chelsea’s individual quality overwhelm Crystal Palace in the future. Chelsea seems to be improving defensively week after week. The team’s back pressure, set defense and transition defense were excellent against Spurs and improvement continued against Palace as well.

Overall, Chelsea have consistently improved this season from a defensive perspective, barring individual mistakes. There is no defensive structure that can account for players making monumental mistakes.

The set pieces at both ends have also seen a strong improvement, both in terms of personnel and organization. However, the most notable aspect so far has been the team’s willingness to foul and simulate. Chelsea have not been afraid of committing “tactical” fouls this season and that is one of the reasons behind improving defensive safety. The increase in penalties won is due to players also selling fouls better.

Of course, any early season analysis is vulnerable to a small sample size. There’s no point making outlandish statements after 4 games, but so far, the signs are promising.

SCORE: 8

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Edouard mendy

He had practically nothing to do in terms of stopping shots or cross collecting. His distribution was promising and he already seems comfortable barking orders at Zouma and Silva, two center-backs with a much higher profile than him.

SCORE: 6

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César Azpilicueta

He was chosen to deal with the threat of Zaha and Eze at the counters and he did a great job. While some weren’t happy to see Reece James on the bench, Azpilicueta is too good to be out for long. They will both play enough throughout the season.

Note statistics
25 pressures: the first among Chelsea players
6 progressive passes – 2nd meeting
8 passes to the final third – 2nd

SCORE: 6.5

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Thiago silva

After a horror debut, Silva settled on Chelsea’s bottom line and offered a sense of calm to everyone around him. HI’s ability to read the game and make vital interceptions was crucial in nipping some of Palace’s attacks in the bud. Perhaps he could have done better playing vertical passes, in terms of weight and time as well as volume, but overall, he will be satisfied with his exit.

Note statistics
5 spaces – 1st
1 shot blocked – 1st board
12 passes to the final third – 1st Meeting
11 fumble recoveries – 2nd
2 interceptions – 2nd Board

SCORE: 7.5

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Kurt zouma

He scored his second goal of the season to cap off what was another solid performance. Zouma is getting better and more vocal on a weekly basis and is taking small steps to realize the potential that he showed in 2014-15 and 2015-16.

Note statistics
1 goal
4 aerial duels won (out of 5) – 1st
4 spaces – 2nd
2 shots – 2nd meeting

SCORE: 7.5

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Ben chilwell

Certainly the star of the show in his Premier League debut with the club, thanks to a display of action that influenced proceedings at both ends. Their tendency to overlap and engage in associative play with players like Werner provided a degree of dynamism and breadth to Chelsea’s attack. On the defensive side, he held firm, save for a moment, against a very tough team.

Note statistics
1 goal
1 assist
8 progressive passes – 1st
3 passes to the penalty area – 1st
3 interceptions – 1st
3 key passes – 1st meeting
5 Shot Creation Actions – 2nd
3 aerial duels won (out of 3) – 2nd set
2 shots – 2nd meeting
3 free spaces – 3rd
10 fumble recoveries – 3rd Board

SCORE: 9

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N’Golo Kanté

He started the game slowly before exerting his influence both on and off the ball. He seems much sharper in his movements this season and his ability to move the ball quickly, regardless of how unorthodox it may seem, is something the team will need a lot this season. It is worrying that he is injured late in the game.

Note statistics
1 shot blocked – 1st board
6 progressive passes – 2nd meeting
2 interceptions – 2nd Board
18 pressures – 3rd
10 fumble recoveries – 3rd Board

SCORE: 7

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Jorginho

He had his best game in a long time. His willingness to switch games accelerated the team’s offense and made it possible to find free players on the opposite side. Now it is up to him to reproduce these interpretations constantly and consolidate himself alongside Kante.

Note statistics
2 goals
12 passes to the final third – 1st Meeting
23 pressures – 2nd
4 touches in the penalty area – 2nd
2 key passes – 2nd meeting
6 progressive passes – 2nd meeting

SCORE: 7.5

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Callum Hudson-Odoi

I had a calm first half before picking up momentum in the second. He needs to regain his bravery, the ability to take / execute risks and his deception in tight spaces, qualities that make him such a unique talent, if he is to establish himself on the team. While he worked diligently and retained possession, he was sometimes too safe with the ball.

Note statistics
6 Shot Creation Actions – 1st
2 key passes – 2nd meeting
2 shots – 2nd meeting
3 touches in the penalty area – 3rd Board

SCORE: 6.5

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Kai havertz

Another very comfortable display from Havertz on either side of the ball. His decision making, deceptive speed, and ability to identify spaces to receive make him a very potent threat. One gets the impression that the final product will soon follow (also in the Premier League) and even if it doesn’t, he is playing at a high level as a facilitator regardless.

Note statistics
14 fumble recoveries – 1st
3 key passes – 1st meeting
3 aerial duels won (out of 5) – Second set
4 shot creation actions – 3rd

SCORE: 7

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Timo Werner

He had a disappointing outing on the left wing and spent too much time hugging the touchlines instead of occupying the space between center and winger. However, there is nothing to panic about and you will eventually regain shape as you get more used to your teammates and vice versa.

Note statistics
3 touches in the penalty area – 2nd set

SCORE: 6

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Tammy abraham

It gave the Palace defenders torrid time on the ground and they won many matches that allowed Chelsea to play the way they wanted. His ability to hold the ball high, win 50-50 duels, beat defenders for pace and team up with his teammates was on display against Palace. The way he knocked down Jorginho’s long pass and shot was excellent center-forward play and it was a particularly remarkable moment.

Note statistics
4 shots – 1st
6 touches in the penalty area – 1st
3 aerial duels won (out of 6) – 2nd set

SCORE: 7

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Substitutes

Mateo Kovacic (minute 83) – Nothing remarkable.
Christian Pulisic (83rd minute) – Nothing remarkable.