Crystal Palace 0-3 Chelsea - 6 Things We Learned
Pardew's misfiring Eagles welcomed a Chelsea side shorn of their malfunctioning manager.
On January 3rd, Crystal Palace welcomed Chelsea to Selhurst in the early afternoon televised kick-off. Palace went into this game in good form having lost none of their last six games while Chelsea had shown signs of recovery; going three games unbeaten. Palace failed to score in their two games over the Christmas period - against Bournemouth and Swansea - so would be looking to find their scoring touch again. Chelsea had also managed two draws - against Watford and Manchester United - but it was the manner of the performances, rather than the result that had got people talking. They were looking like someone that had escaped an abusive relationship; slowly but surely gaining their confidence after the daily turmoil that had engulfed the first half of their season. Team News: Palace were once again without the injured Yannick Bolasie, Dwight Gayle and Connor Wickham while Yohan Cabaye was to serve a one match ban for picking up five bookings. Bakary Sakao was a surprise inclusion on the bench, while Jonny Williams would be looking to make his first appearance in over a year after being recalled from his loan at Nottingham Forest. Chelsea had no such worries with Radamel Falcao and Gary Cahill the only recognised first-teamers to miss out