Kai Havertz rose above the mediocrity to save the memorial service for Chelsea legend Gianluca Vialli turning into a requiem to manager Graham Potter's reign.
Until the German enigma's header after 64 minutes delivered only their second Premier League win since October, the Blues were laboured and bland. Their 12th consecutive win against Palace lifts the pressure on Potter, but he has still to solve the riddle of how a surfeit of attacking players struggle to find a cutting edge between them.
As a eulogy to Vialli, who died aged 58 earlier this month, this was mid-table stodge more than a celebratory feast. Before kick-off a parade of club legends, including John Terry, Mark Hughes, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Graeme Le Saux – Chris Sutton was there, too – led the tributes to their former team-mate, manager and shining light.
