Chelsea V Crystal Palace

Updated: Aug 4, 2023

Hi everyone

Hope you are all well.

On Saturday 9th November I visited Stamford Bridge to watch Crystal Palace play against Chelsea. Due to Chelsea & Westminster being very strict with their parking we were not able to guarantee a parking space for the day. Because of this my Mum and Nan dropped myself and my Grandad to the stadium. This was pretty easy as after asking a steward we were able to go down a closed off road which lead to right outside the gates of the stadium. We had never been to Stamford Bridge before so we didn't know where to go but after walking the whole circumference of the stadium someone eventually pointed us in the right direction. All the staff were very friendly and helpful while guiding us to our seats. Our seats were right next to the corner flag so we had a really good view of the whole pitch which was nice. There was also a cafe right behind us so it was very easy to get any refreshments we wanted.

As it was the weekend of Remembrance Sunday the Chelsea club prepared a lovely tribute in memory of those who lost their lives for us and those that still fight for us. Also before the match started (when both teams came out onto the pitch) there was a minute silence in the whole stadium.

The game started at 12.30pm and Chelsea had an early chance through Willian but Palace were able to stop them by getting a corner and then they were able to deal with it. After this we were able to get our possession up but that was only temporary as Chelsea were able to counter attack but luckily nothing dangerous came from it. The first main chance came in the 12th minute for Chelsea but Guaita was able to save us once again. The first yellow card was given to a Chelsea player after Jordan Ayew was able to get across the half way line before being brought down by Willian. This was shortly followed by Zaha getting a yellow card after he gave away some stupid fouls. He seemed to be letting his temper get the better of him. This lead to Chelsea getting a free kick at the edge of the box but they sent it over the bar this time.

It wasn't until the 31st minute that Palace were able to create another chance, this time is came from Zaha being one on one with James, this was the first time Zaha had any real impact on the game and he was able to get passed the youngster before being brought down. He won a free kick for Palace. Milivojevic took the set piece for us but he was only able to fire the ball behind for a Chelsea goal kick.

Just before half time there was a Palace injury being Joel Ward having to come off due to a groin strain. It seemed to be playing him up for a few minutes but he was unable to carry on after this point, Martin Kelly was his replacement. I hope he is ok and is recovering well. There was 4 minutes added time at the end of the first half. During this time Chelsea were able to have shot via Willian but thankfully with a mixture of Guaita and Cahill we were able to keep it out. For the majority of the first half, Chelsea looked like the dominant team which wasn't good for Palace.

Chelsea started the 2nd half being very powerful but Palaces defence were very determined. They had a penalty shout in the 46th minute for a potential hand ball but the ref wasn't interested. Then sadly in 52nd minute Chelsea scored their first goal. The goal was by Tammy Abraham. Until this point in the game the Chelsea fans had been silent but after they're goal this temporarily changed. I felt we were the noisiest side and created the atmosphere, even though we were loosing. The next piece of action came from Chelsea again after another opportunity but again Guaita saved us!!! Palaces 2nd substitution came in the 69th minute with Jeffrey Schlupp replacing James McArthur. Palace then had their first chance of this half in the 70th minute with Milivojevic getting the ball into the box after a free kick. The ball was then met by James Tomkins at the back post and headed the ball into what I thought was the net but in fact it was inches wide. This gave Palace slight confidence to go in search of an equaliser. In the 79th minute Chelsea made their first substitution bringing Batshuayi in replace of Abraham, Batsman spent half of last season on loan to us so he got a warm welcome onto the pitch who are defiantly missing him this season but hopefully we can get him back in January.

It wasn't long before Chelsea scored their second goal of the game in the 79th minute. This time it came from Christian Pulisic to make it 2-0. Palaces 3rd and final substitution came in the 82nd minute when McCarthy came on for Kouyate. In my opinion Kouyate was one of our bet players and showed passion during the game. We then had a late chance in the 86th minute which came from a ball being played across the edge of the box for McCarthy to meet. He was able to have a shot but the Chelsea keeper was able to save it. There was another 4 minutes added to the end of the game in which Chelsea were able to take two chances but none were executed. So the game ended 2-0 to Chelsea.

On the way back to the car it was quite a long walk and we had to go pass the official Chelsea shop. It was a very busy walk back to the car and was pouring with rain. So it wasn't the best.

Whilst we were watching the game my Mum and Nan took my Nan's new Puppy for a walk around London. He really enjoyed it and was knackered on the journey home.