EPL results: Man City held at Leeds as Chelsea thrash Crystal Palace

October 3, 2020 8:59 pm

Man City held at Leeds as Chelsea thrash Crystal Palace

Chelsea defeated Crystal Palace 4-0 at the Stamford Bridge in the English Premier League (EPL) on Saturday afternoon, thanks to goals from Ben Chilwell and Kurt Zouma, and two penalties by Jorginho.

The Blues put in an improved second half performance following a tepid first period to record their biggest win of the season yet.

Frank Lampard’s side also kept their first clean sheet of this EPL season, thanks to better defensive display and an assured performance from Edouard Mendy, the £22 million Senegalese goalkeeper, recently acquired from France.

Crystal Palace set up to defend and successfully carried out their game plan in the first half in which Chelsea had over 75% possession but could only muster one shot on target.

This changed in the second half when Chilwell took advantage of Mamadou Sakho’s poor clearance to slot in at the back post on 50 minutes.

The £45 million signing then turned provider for Zouma 16 minutes later, putting in a brilliant cross for the French defender to double Chelsea’s lead.

Jorginho then added the third goal from the penalty kick awarded for a foul on Tammy Abraham in the 18-yard box.

The deep lying playmaker was given another spot kick opportunity when Kai Havertz was brought down minutes later and the former Napoli man sent the goalkeeper the wrong way for the second time.

At the Goodison Park, Everton continued their impressive start to the season with their third straight win, defeating Brighton and Hove Albion 4-2.

Carlo Ancelloti’s side took the lead via Dominic Calvert-Lewin, their in-form striker, who headed the Toffees in front on 16 minutes.

While Brighton seized on a goalkeeper error to restore parity, Everton responded immediately and added two more goals to make it 4-1 on 70 minutes — with Yeri Mina dispatching a header for 2-1 and James Rodriguez adding two further goals.

Rodriguez was assisted by Alex Iwobi, Nigerian international, who came on as a first half substitute.

While Chelsea and Everton fared well, Manchester City dropped further points in their 1-1 draw at newly promoted Leeds United.

Leeds United, coached by Marcelo Bielsa, improved in the second half after City had run them ragged in the first, with Raheem Sterling’s goal on 17 minutes the only goal the former EPL champions had to show for their dominance.

RESULTS