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Chelsea fans are far from convinced their team is back despite recording their first Premier League win of 2023.
Chelsea hosted Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Sunday in the Premier League.
The Blues were looking to bounce back from a poor run of back to back losses in the Premier League when they came up against Patrick Vieira’s Palace team.
Chelsea started the better of both sides, dominating on the ball, but the first real chance of the game fell to the visitors in the 21st minute after Michael Olise forced a save from Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Four minutes later, it was Chelsea who came close with Thiago Silva seeing his effort from a rebound saved by Vicente Guaita on the other end.
Kai Havertz had Chelsea’s best chance of the opening half in the 31st minute, but his header failed to find the target as the hosts were desperate to get the opener.
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Chelsea continued to grow in confidence but couldn’t break down the Palace defence with one more chance falling to Lewis Hall in the 42nd minute.
But the Blues left-back blazed his effort just wide of the right post before Jeffrey Schlupp saw his effort saved well by Kepa in stoppage time.
Fans had to wait until the second period for the opener as both teams headed into the break with the scores deadlocked.
Second Half
Chelsea came into the second half looking bright once more with Graham Potter opting to switch things up a bit, withdrawing Carney Chukwuemeka for Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang in the 63rd minute.
A minute later, the deadlock was finally broken after Kai Havertz brilliantly headed home from a spectacular cross from Hakim Ziyech to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
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Crystal Palace sought to respond but it was largely a story of half-chances since Havertz goal with Chelsea looking to defend their lead until the full-time whistle.
However, Palace were presented with a good chance to score after Cheick Doucoure unleashed a pile driver in the 83rd minute, only to see his effort saved by the brilliant Kepa.
Following Doucoure's effort, Palace presented no real threat to the Blues defense with the fourth official signalling seven minutes of added time after 90 minutes.
Aubameyang had a chance in the 93rd minute to double Chelsea's advantage but his effort proved an easy save for Vicente Guaita.
In the end, Chelsea held on for a huge 1-0 win against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge, with Graham Potter breathing a huge sigh of relief after a nervy ending to the encounter.
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Socia Media Reactions
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Following the crucial win for Chelsea, Blues fans have taken to social media to single out one player for special praise.
Here's what's buzzin below:
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