SillySeason look into The Blues’ shock-loss at home to Eagles
The shock of the day yesterday came from Stamford Bridge when Crystal Palace picked up all three points against reigning champions Chelsea.
Bakary Sako and Joel Ward gave The Eagles all three points despite Radamel Falcao heading home his first goal for his new club with just 10-minutes remaining.
Alan Pardew has now become the first manager ever to beat Jose Mourinho three times, and has overseen a great start for Palace with three wins from four.
So what stood out for SillySeason during the game at Stamford Bridge? Well one of our writers who was at the game has had his say, and here is what he took away from the match.
5) Branislav Ivanovic Is Fading
Ivanovic enjoyed a successful spell last season and was a key figure in Chelsea‘s league triumph but has lacked sharpness this season.
Though never blessed with pace, the full-back had always been a smart defender and a hard worker but Saturday’s loss to Crystal Palace has highlighted his weaknesses and shown there is an edge missing from his game which made him so successful.
Being beaten multiple times for pace and skill by Bakary Sako and Yannick Bolasie when he came on have shown perhaps a need for Chelsea to bring some more pace to the full back position to replace the ageing Ivanovic, though time could come to his advantage as he slowly finds his form as the season progresses.
