Crystal Palace vs Chelsea: Five things we learned as Tammy Abraham ends drought to send Blues third

Crystal Palace 2-3 Chelsea: Scott Dann hit the post in stoppage time as the Blues held on for a precious three points

Tammy Abraham struck to send Chelsea into third after a valuable 3-2 victory over a spirited Crystal Palace.

Willian scampered away down the right after Gary Cahill’s unfortunate fall, cutting back to Olivier Giroud for the early lead.

And Pulisic, at the heart of everything effective going forward for the Blues, doubled the lead after a devastating move, shifting the ball quickly and blasting in at the near post.

Wilfried Zaha smashed in from range to halve the deficit, as Roy Hodgson’s side pushed for a route back into the game. Abraham, on as a substitute added a third, before Christian Benteke immediately pulled the hosts back to within one. Scott Dann's header in stoppage time hit the post as the Blues held on for the points.

Here are five things we learned from the game at Selhurst Park.

Chelsea celebrate after Giroud breaks the deadlock (Getty)

Is Kepa fighting losing battle?

There is no doubt that Kepa Arrizabalaga’s form over the last year or so has deserved criticism, though the scrutiny is now so intense that he is required to be impeccable on the pitch, otherwise each and every goal the Blues concede appears to be blamed on the Spaniard.

Wilfried Zaha’s rocket to cut the deficit at Selhurst Park in a game that Chelsea were cruising was the latest goal 25-year-old was blamed for. Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville was especially critical of Kepa’s role. And while the shot was not placed right in the corner, the speed of the ball clocked in at 65mph, with the sheer venom enough to defeat the Blues goalkeeper.

The world’s most expensive goalkeeper, at £71.6 million, could be set to depart Stamford Bridge this summer, though his options appear to be reduced to a loan move back to La Liga. That may be enough to hand him one last chance to salvage his career at Chelsea, with Frank Lampard seemingly addressing other positions with great urgency.

Zaha still searching for support

The Ivorian provided a reminder of his match-winning ability with his sizzling strike to bring Palace back into the game. The goal energised the No 11’s ability to turn sharply, dribble at speed and entice opponents towards him like bees to honey.

Zaha was not forced into the exorbitant contract he signed at Selhurst Park, but he is entitled to demand support heading into next season.

Jordan Ayew has proven himself to be a worthwhile support act alongside Zaha. But Roy Hodgson’s priority this summer must surely be to acquire a player who can absorb some of the responsibility that too often falls the way of Zaha.

Zaha celebrates after his scorching strike halves the deficit (Getty)

Pulisic proving himself as leader on the pitch

It’s now three goals in five Premier League games for the American, who is starting to terrify defences around the league.

Comparisons with Eden Hazard will continue, no matter Frank Lampard’s attempts to limit the pressure on the 21-year-old. Pulisic is able to shift the ball at great speed, which very few defenders are able to cope with.

Lampard will be thrilled to see Pulisic accept the responsibility to provide the spark for this attack; as while Willian and Olivier Giroud enjoy fine runs of form, it is Pulisic who creates space for others with opponents now forced into giving him special attention.

Chelsea’s speed offers glimpse of potential on Lampard

Mason Mount has been one of Lampard’s most trusted players this season and while the workload, as he approaches 50 games in all competitions this season, is demanding, the tempo at which he operates is too important for the Blues to lose.

The second goal of the game epitomised everything Lampard is attempting to create at Chelsea, as Mount’s instinct to swerve around Willian on the break dragged Palace shirts towards the ball. The Brazilian found the space on the left with Pulisic free and able to create a clear sight at goal with one touch before driving powerfully in at the near post.

It is why Olivier Giroud, while useful as an alternative, especially against sides who sit deep at Stamford Bridge, will not be the preferred choice moving into next season, as Lampard craves a mobile No 9 able to blend in with the assortment of dynamic options in behind the striker.

Abraham celebrates after snapping an 11-game goal drought (Getty)

Abraham’s career-defining year begins

With speed now a defining characteristic to this Chelsea side and as outlined above, the centre-forward in this side, which will ultimately establish just how far the Blues can go, remains a mystery. As the game drifted, Tammy Abraham’s emergence was required.

The 22-year-old was able to link smartly with Ruben Loftus-Cheek and calmly send a crisp finish inside the far post to snap an 11-game drought in front of goal. It was a timely boost for Abraham, who is set to embark on career-defining year.

The arrival of Timo Werner, while not acquired solely to displace him, certainly heightens the pressure on Abraham to add a consistent supply of goals. Moreover, there is the European Championships with England and fierce competition for a place in Gareth Southgate’s squad, not to mention contract negotiations, with his deal expiring in 2022, which have dragged on in recent months.