Chelsea paid tribute to the late footballing legend Gianluca Vialli with a vital 1-0 win against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge. Havertz’s second half header was enough for the Blues to claim all three points, with Benoît Badiashile shining in defence on his debut. New signing Mykhailo Mudryk was unveiled at half-time to the Chelsea fans and will be in contention to face Liverpool next week.

Kepa Arrizabalaga- 8/10

Some fine goalkeeping on display from Kepa today to help ensure Chelsea come away with a clean sheet. The Spaniard had to be at full focus dealing with multiple long-range strikes from Palace attackers. A particularly important save came at the end of the first half, to make sure the Blues didn’t go into the break trailing.

Trevoh Chalobah- 8/10

There were some concerns among Chelsea fans going into the game that Chalobah would struggle to deal with the dangerous Zaha on the wing. The English defender, however, dealt with him brilliantly, limiting the winger to scraps and helping maintain Chelsea’s clean sheet.

Thiago Silva- 8/10

Rock solid is the only way to describe the defensive partnership of Silva and Badiashile today. The Brazilian produced yet another flawless performance for Chelsea at the back. A number of crucial blocks and headed clearances helped the Blues come away with all three points.

Benoît Badiashile- 8/10

An impressive debut performance for the 21-year-old Frenchman. The six-foot four centre back showed his aerial dominance as well as an impressive composure on the ball. Helped maintain a vital clean sheet and will surely start against Liverpool next week.

Lewis Hall- 6/10

A difficult day for Hall in defence today. The 18-year-old struggled to deal with the tricky Olise at left back particularly in the first half. He could have found himself on the scoresheet when he flashed a great chance from close range wide. On the ball, however, Hall looks very confident, once again displaying a range of good passing and dribbling.

Jorginho- 8/10

A really positive performance from Jorginho today in midfield. The Italian made six tackles in the match, more than anyone else on the pitch. Going forward, Jorginho looked to play fast forward passing, completing six accurate long balls.

Connor Gallagher- 7/10

Gallagher looked like he had a point to prove to Chelsea fans and management today. The midfielder was the most heavily involved Chelsea player on the pitch, making 97 touches, and he showed a composure on the ball today that has on previous occasions been lacking from his game. He could have had an assist when his dangerous cross flashed across the face of goal.

Mason Mount- 5/10

A quiet day at the office from Mount, who struggled to get himself involved in the game. He should have had an assist, however, when he crossed the ball to Havertz who headed wide with the goal at his mercy- perhaps Mount will feel he slightly over hit the cross.

Carney Chukwuemeka– 6/10

A rare start for the young forward who has impressed in recent weeks. Despite some flashes of positive moments, Chukwuemeka struggled to have much impact going forward. He was substituted just after the hour mark.

Kai Havertz- 6/10

A winning goal will do a lot to boost the confidence of a man who has been struggling with form recently. The German headed home a cross from Ziyech midway through the second half to put the Blues in front. The German could have had a hattrick of headers, however, and will be disappointed with two close range aerial misses.

Hakim Ziyech- 8/10

A strong performance from a man who may not be around at Stamford Bridge for too much longer given Chelsea’s recent transfer activity. The Moroccan showed off some fantastic tight dribbling and passing. He could have had an assist when his cross found Havertz in space in the box, with the German heading wide. The pair, however, combined again later, with Havertz scoring the winner for Chelsea.

Subs

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang- 6/10

A lively substitute performance from Aubameyang, who found himself with several chances late on. He was denied by some good goalkeeping but perhaps could have done better to get Chelsea’s second. Certainly a positive sign that he was getting himself involved going forward, however.

Kalidou Koulibaly- N/A

César Azpilicueta- N/A 

Mateo Kovačić- N/A

Graham Potter- 7/10

A hugely important win for Graham Potter and Chelsea, who have been in dire form. Badiashile’s impressive debut performance will be a massive boost and the decision to play Chalobah over Azpilicueta at right back against Zaha paid off. Mykhailo Mudryk’s half time welcome to the Stamford Bridge faithful gives Potter more offensive options ahead of a difficult fixture against Liverpool next week.

Twitter- @Kieranroy1