Pundit explains Chelsea’s shock 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace
Pat Nevin gives his thoughts after Chelsea suffered a surprise 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace on Saturday
Pat Nevin believes that the international break is the reason why Chelsea suffered a surprise 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
The Blues headed into the game hoping to return to winning ways after their 1-0 defeat by Manchester City before the international break.
However, the west London side looked sluggish as they ended up slumping to a surprise defeat by basement club Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
A Cesar Azpilicueta own goal gave the home side the lead in the 11th minute, but Tiemoue Bakayoko levelled for Antonio Conte’s men in the 18th minute.
However, Palace were back in front before half-time when Wilfried Zaha netted the Eagles’ second goal of the season to wrap up their first victory of the campaign under new boss Roy Hodgson.
And former Chelsea winger Nevin gave his take on proceedings at the match ended 2-1 to Palace.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 live, Nevin said: “Chelsea were pedestrian.
“It’s clear that the international break has impacted on them – all their players who were away looked tired.”
Chelsea will now look to get back to winning ways on Wednesday night when they return to Champions League action with a home clash against Roma.
The Blues were without Alvaro Morata but he could be back in action for that game in west London in midweek as he tries to shake off a hamstring injury.
