Chelsea Stars Share Their Joy As Alan Pardew Now Facing The Heat

Another game week, another 1-0 victory with the only goal bagged by another familiar face, Diego Costa. The narrow scoreline also reflects that the match wasn’t a waltz.

In terms of team selection for the table toppers, Cesc Fabregas returned to the bench as the manager fancied Nemanja Matic to partner Kante at the core of midfield despite the Spaniard scoring the winning goal last time out while Willian came in place of Pedro.

Just like the South London fog, the opening exchanges of the match was dull as both clubs were of two minds to get on the front foot. Out of everyone on the pitch, the busiest person seemed to be the referee as the first half was scattered with fouls and Eden Hazard widely being on the receiving end. The slippery pitch can take a pinch of the blame, yet the home side were having a tough time dealing with his quick and tricky movements.

Nearing the interval, the crowd finally got a wake-up call yet the most portion of the stadium remained silent as it was the visitors who broke the deadlock. It started off with Eden Hazard escaping challenges from a number of defenders before placing a pass to Cesar Azpilicueta, who ventured forward from the back. The Spaniard then lofted in a dangerous cross into the penalty box and got Diego Costa sending Chelsea into the lead with a deft header.

Before scoring his 50^th goal for the club, the former Atletico Madrid forward, who was recently praised for remaining calm and avoiding cards, got his name into the referee’s notepad for a petulant challenge on Joe Ledley. Therefore he won’t be leading the line in Chelsea’s home tie against Bournemouth on December 26. Some hilarious tweets:

Contrary to the first 45 minutes, the second half burst into life as both teams bombarded to join Costa on the scoresheet. With the momentum of the crowd behind them, Alan Pardew’s side continued to pile pressure yet was under the shadow of the resilient Chelsea defence. Also, whenever the Eagles succeeded to unravel from the stubborn backline, Thibaut Courtois got in their way. Conte’s men had their chances too – Alonso’s sublime free-kick came back off the crossbar and N’golo Kante forced a solid save from Palace’s netminder. Chelsea held on and walked away with all three points.

It’s exactly a year since Jose Mourinho was booted out of the door by Chelsea and his successor seems to be the most influential manager in England at the moment as his well-oiled squad have collected 11 victories on the trot.

Such scenario is nowhere near for Alan Pardew as his job is on the line after 17 matches. Crystal Palace currently sits at the 16^th position and just three points above the drop zone. The heat is reflecting in Twitter too: