EPL Day 12: Abraham and Pulisic mount Chelsea to second of the league table after Palace win; Chelsea 2 - 0 Palace

Chelsea have won six consecutive Premier League games for the first time since May 2017 under Antonio Conte. The Blues won at the Bridge by 2-0 against Roy Hodgeson’s Crystal Palace to climb to second on the League table.

Two changes were by Frank Lampard to the Chelsea team that ran out 2-1 winners at Watford last weekend. N’Golo Kante started for the first time since October 6, softening the loss of Jorginho to suspension, while Reece James got the nod ahead of captain Cesar Azpilicueta at right-back for his first Premier League start. Willian captained the Blues in Azpilicueta’s absence.

Roy Hodgson made one change following last week’s defeat to Leicester.

Andros Townsend who has recovered from the muscle injury that ruled him out against the Foxes replaced Jeffrey Schlupp in the starting line-up at Stamford Bridge.

Impressive Christian Pulisic almost opened the scores in the 12-minute after he was released through on goal as a breath-taking change of direction sat Ward down in the box. He just had Guaita to beat and tried to loft the ball over the Palace stopper, but he stayed big to keep what would’ve been a fine solo effort out.

The American star started this London derby in impressive form for the home side, as that recent brilliant piece of individual skill exhibited along the line. Jason Mount caused problems too, as he drew a foul from McArthur right on the edge of the Palace area. 

Joel Ward was subbed off after sustaining a groin injury. He was replaced by Martin Kelly.

The first half ended with Chelsea dominating but Palace defended manfully. Whenever they create a chance there was a body in the way.

Abraham opened the scores in the 7-minutes into the second half.

It was a lovely play from Chelsea as Willian brilliantly flicked Kovacic's pass on to release Abraham through on goal, and he produced a clinical finish past Guaita.

James Tomkins should have levelled the scores in the 70-minute after Milivojevic whipped a free-kick into the Chelsea box from the right which drifted all the way through to him. He had a free header six yards out, but steered Palace best chance inches wide.

Chelsea doubled their lead through Christian Pulisic 11 minutes to full time.

The Blues worked the ball from right and switched to left to set up Batshuayi for a shot. It was blocked but fell kindly for Pulisic six yards out, and he nodded home past Guaita.

The Blues secured the second spot with their sixth consecutive victory in the Premier League