OPINION
Chelsea put in a dogged display to emerge 3-1 winners against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, and there were plenty of talking points to take away from the clash.
Alvaro Morata gave the Blues the lead in the first half before Andros Townsend equalised for Palace, but two quick-fire goals from Morata and Pedro gave Chelsea a much-needed three points.
This is Futbol have picked out three things we learned about Chelsea v Crystal Palace below.
Morata resurgence continues
Despite a strong start to life in the Premier League for Alvaro Morata, the Spain international has come under heavy criticism this season after a dip in form. His struggles in front of goal have seemingly ended however, with the 26-year-old netting four times in his last four league games for the Blues. Both his goals against Palace on Sunday were very well-taken, particularly the second, which was a tough finish from the angle. It looks like Morata’s recent form will mean he retains that starting spot for Chelsea for the foreseeable future, and few would have seen that coming a few weeks ago.
Luiz vulnerability rears its head
Before Morata’s second and Pedro’s goal gave Chelsea breathing space, Palace were well in the game after Andros Townsend’s equaliser. The former Tottenham winger raced through on goal after a beautiful through ball from James McArthur and slotted home confidently. While it was a slick attacking move from the Eagles, Townsend was only allowed to race clean through because of David Luiz’s poor positioning. The Brazil international was sucked in far too easily and left a gap in behind which Townsend exploited. While the £120,000-a-week star [Total Sportek] has admittedly been brilliant this season for the Blues, his defensive vulnerabilities are all too clear, and they will no doubt cost Chelsea at some point this season.
Hazard return is key
The omission of Eden Hazard from the starting lineup raised some eyebrows among Chelsea fans before the game, with the Belgium international expected to return from his injury against Palace. As it was the decision to hold him back was a brilliant one, with Hazard able to come on and change the game for the Blues in the second half. If it wasn’t clear already, Hazard’s return from injury will be key for Chelsea in the coming weeks if they are to maintain their Premier League challenge. The form of Liverpool and Manchester City at the top mean that slip-ups cannot be made, and having the wing wizard available is so important if Chelsea want to avoid that happening.