It will not have gone unnoticed to many that Marc Cucurella did not feature in Chelsea's win against Crystal Palace. The former Brighton defender remained on the bench for the duration of the match as the Blues earned three points thanks to Kai Havertz's goal, though the Blues were required to hang.
Youngster Lewis Hall started the game on the left side of defence and when he was replaced later in the game Kalidou Koulibaly found himself in that role as Chelsea held onto their lead. Of course, there may have been physical and height considerations in play as the Eagles looked to find an equaliser but it remains notable.
Cucurella has been a regular part of the Chelsea side over the course of the season without setting the pitch alight. Recent weeks has seen the 24-year-old struggle for as many minutes, however. He only featured in the final 10 minutes in defeat to Fulham and did not feature in FA Cup defeat to Manchester City having started against the Premier League champions just days before.
