Two Chelsea players who must do better after brain-freeze almost costs Blues | OneFootball

Chelsea are 2-0 up against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, and it could easily have been a few more.

The Blues were guilty of missing several good chances to make it 2-0, with the best coming just before half time. A stunning Cole Palmer pass set Nicolas Jackson free, and he squared up Maxence Lacroix. The Senegal striker managed to fashion space for a shot – but he went with the outside of his right rather than trying to wrap his left around it. The effort flew agonisingly wide.

For all his qualities and all that he’s improved, there’s still tons Jackson can do to become truly elite, and that includes working on his left foot. Today he looks set to get the chances he needs to score a couple – it’s time to win us this game, Nico.

Sanchez guilty of another shaky moment to undermine rising Blues confidence

Robert Sanchez fouls Rasmus Hojlund. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Of course, as always, it was impossible for Chelsea to get through a half of football without a mistake from Robert Sanchez.

After 3 bad results in a row, this team need confidence and calm, especially now they’re ahead. Sanchez, for all his qualities, does not bring those things.

In this case he followed a couple of his customary dodgy kicks with an unconvincing effort to dive and clear a low cross in front him. He didn’t make good contact on it and the ball looped up and kissed him on the forehead in a comedic way, as though to rub in the wonkiness of another slightly slapstick moment from the stopper.

He’s saved us plenty of times in recent weeks, and may yet do so today. But moments like that when you’re on top in a game are what turn the tide, and many fans would say no number of impressive saves make up for a goalie who spreads panic in the defence.