Chelsea (3-4-2-1)
Édouard Mendy Forced into action before the break with a decent save to parry Cheikhou Kouyaté’s fierce volley but untroubled in second half. 7/10
César Azpilicueta Willing to get forward on occasions but fluffed his lines with an ambitious volley from Timo Werner’s cross early on. 6
Andreas Christensen Helped to prevent a Palace counterattack by cutting out the danger and a calm presence at back. 7
Antonio Rüdiger Composed on the ball and his long pass set up a half-chance for Kai Havertz. Almost scored late on but fierce effort blocked. 6
Reece James Displayed his usual composure on the ball and always keen to launch attacks down the right. Effortless control in possession and also kept Wilfried Zaha reasonably quiet. Man of the match. 8
Jorginho Struggled in midfield and well off pace in first half. Lofted a ball hopelessly out of play to sum up sluggish showing. 6
Mateo Kovacic Failed to find his range with a cross which had too much power and appeared frustrated before being forced off early through injury. 6
Marcos Alonso Not overly effective as an attacking outlet down the left but grew into game as Chelsea dominated possession. 6
Timo Werner Failed to produce the fireworks of the last two games but troubled Palace with his relentless running and tireless work. Did well to play in Mason Mount for Chelsea’s second goal and nearly set up a third. 7
Mason Mount Produced a disappointing early cross which was too close to Jack Butland and quiet early on. Improved after break and sealed Chelsea’s win by weaving through for smart low finish. 6
Kai Havertz Busy in attack but struggled to exert his influence on the game. Rightly booked for diving in an attempt to win a penalty in the first half. 6
Substitutes
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (for Kovacic, 26) 7; N’Golo Kanté (for Jorginho, 78) 7; Hakim Ziyech (for Mount, 77) 6; Romelu Lukaku (for Havertz, 77) 6; Thiago Silva (for Christensen, 82) 6.
Crystal Palace (4-3-3)
Jack Butland Untroubled during the first half and came off his line quickly to thwart Werner after the break. Not at fault for either goal. 6
Joel Ward Defended solidly for most of game and played a dangerous long ball which almost created a first-half opening for Palace. 6
Joachim Andersen Did very well to cut out James’s through ball which was heading for Werner. Struck the post although his effort was offside and should have done better from late header. 6
Marc Guéhi The former Chelsea defender gave an impressive account of himself with a strong performance at the back. Powerful in the air. 7
Tyrick Mitchell Neat and tidy on the ball and occasionally combined down left with Zaha. Punished for losing ball at Chelsea’s breakthrough. 6
Jeffrey Schlupp Tireless worker and willing to put in hard graft to frustrate Chelsea. Should have done better though when misplacing an attacking pass. 6
Cheikhou Kouyaté Showed early promise in the midfield as he snuffed out Chelsea’s attacks. Almost opened the scoring with his fierce volley and headed wide from a great position in second half. 7
James McArthur Did well to cut out Werner’s cross and willing to track back and defend. Found it tough going in second half with Palace on defensive. 6
Eberechi Eze Lively on the odd occasion when given the chance to attack. Faded as the match progressed along with teammates. 6
Jean-Philippe Mateta Spurned an early opportunity after failing to take advantage of Zaha’s incisive pass and did not got much change out of the Chelsea defence. 6
Wilfried Zaha Produced a teasing early through ball which should have been capitalised on by Mateta. Looked Palace’s greatest threat on the counter but subdued towards end. 6
Substitutes
Jordan Ayew (for Mateta, 55) 5; Christian Benteke (for Schlupp, 72) 6; Michael Olise (for McArthur, 72) 6; Luka Milivojevic (for Kouyaté, 84) 6.
