Crystal Palace managed a stunning 1-0 win over Chelsea in what has turned out to be one of the absence of the season. Not many gave Crystal Palace a chance against the table leaders, who visited Selhurst Park during the weekend. This was the final London derby of the season. Ahead of the match, Jose Mourinho said that he wanted Chelsea to maintain their unbeaten record in London derbies this campaign. However, they faltered at the final hurdle after an own goal from John Terry led to the defeat.
Crystal Palace, however, could have won by numerous goals had they been more clinical in finishing since they dominated Chelsea in all areas of the pitch. They showed more desire and hunger on the pitch to be able to win against the table leaders, who have a midweek match against France club PSG in the Champions League. Chelsea looked devoid of motivation and ideas in this encounter, as the created little throughout the 90 minutes. Even when they threatened to score the goal on a few occasions, the Crystal Palace goalkeeper was upto the mark.
He had some brilliant saves against the likes of Eden Hazard. After the encounter, Pulis, who has transformed the fortunes of the club since taking over a few months ago, says that this was a proud moment.
“It was important that we won a game. We have been involved in some games where we’ve played really well and not got results, and the Premier League is the toughest in the world. Chelsea are a fantastic club and the manager has popped in afterwards and said well done to the lads, which shows the class he’s got, so it’s a great result for us. We picked the team on Monday and worked through it for four days. We knew they have all the tools,” said Pulis.