Palace shock Chelsea

London

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Joel Ward proved the unlikely match-winner as Crystal Palace produced one of the shocks of the season to win 2-1 away to Premier League champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge yesterday.

It was only the second time in 100 league games under manager Jose Mourinho that Chelsea had lost at their west London home. 

This result also meant Chelsea had lost twice in the league this season after being beaten 3-0 away to title rivals Manchester City a fortnight ago and left them with a mere four points from as many games this term. By contrast, Chelsea lost just three league games in the whole of last season.

Palace took the lead via Bacary Sako before substitute Falcao hauled Chelsea level late on.  But Ward was Palace’s unlikely hero when he headed home two minutes later as the south Londoners won at Stamford Bridge for the first time since 1982.

Chelsea, without the suspended John Terry, began slowly but finally found their feet.  After a concerted spell of pressure without ever testing Crystal Palace goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, Pedro came closest to a breakthrough when his shot was deflected just over in the 21st minute.

Willian was off target for Chelsea before Sako forced the first save by either goalkeeper.

A quick break found Sako, who scored the winner on his debut last week, and his low drive from the angle was kept out by the foot of Thibaut Courtois. If Sako was presented with no more than a half-chance, then Yohan Cabaye should have taken his clearcut opportunity in the 29th minute.

Wilfried Zaha found space but could only shoot at Courtois from eight yards out.