Crystal Palace 0-1 Chelsea: Lone N’Golo Kante strike secures Blues valuable win

Crystal Palace 0-1 Chelsea: Lone N’Golo Kante strike secures Blues valuable win
Chelsea have moved to within one point of Manchester City after N’Golo Kante’s goal downed Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.The Blues secured a narrow defeat of Roy Hodgson’s side, courtesy of Kante’s third goal of the season which was scored early in the second half.Palace remain five points clear of relegation following their final match of 2018.4

Kante’s third goal of the season secured Chelsea a valuable win

Chelsea were deserving of their win, with Palace only truly threatening in the final minutes.However, for all the Blues’ domination of the ball, they struggled to break down the host’ solid defence and find a way past the impressive Vicente Guaita in goal.And their winning goal came from an unlikely source, with Kante getting on the end of David Luiz’s excellent pass to hit the back of the net.4

Kante took the ball brilliantly on his chest before striking past Guaita

City can restore their four point lead over Chelsea should they beat Southampton later today, though the Blues will definitely end 2018 just two points behind Tottenham.Furthermore, Maurizio Sarri’s side have opened up a five point gap between themselves and Arsenal in fifth place, ensuring they have tightened their grip on a place in the top four.

Moment of the match

Olivier Giroud started the match but was forced off injured, after scoring two goals that were both ruled out for offside.It looked a serious blow for Giroud as he rolled his ankle upon the turf, and a long-term absence would place further strain on Eden Hazard – who has been playing as a centre forward recently – and Alvaro Morata – who returned from injury against the Eagles.Finding a striker to score goals has been a real issue for Chelsea this season, and an injury to Giroud will do little to ease Maurizio Sarri’s headache.4

Giroud was withdrawn after suffering his injury

Star man

Kante put in a typically energetic performance, fulfilling all his defensive duties, and he capped it with the winning goal.There has been serious criticism of Kante this season for his inability to perform the role Maurizio Sarri requires of him, but such an all-action performance will have his critics remaining tight-lipped today.

Premier League table

4

Next up

Wolves vs CRYSTAL PALACE (January 2)CHELSEA vs Southampton (January 2)

---

Nantes make an official claim against Cardiff City. An official claim has been made against Cardiff City over the transfer payment of the late Emiliano Sala, FIFA have confirmed. Sala signed for
Nantes make official Emiliano Sala complaint to Fifa after

---

Bonne hit 20 goals in the league as […] Transfer news: Premier League and Championship clubs to battle for Leyton Orient ace Macauley Bonne who will face Mohamed Salah at AFCON.

---

Aitor Karanka was asked if he would be interested in returning to Middlesbrough. In an interview with Sky Sports, Karanka said before confirming that Pulis had left the club, that he had too much respect for the Welshman to discuss a return from Boro - but refused to rule it out in the future.
Aitor Karanka : Latest News, Breaking News Headlines | Scoopnest

---

There are plenty of transfers in the offing before the close of the window, so join Sportsmail for live updates and all the transfer news from across the Premier League and Europe.
Mario Balotelli 'submits evidence of racist abuse to Football

---

Manchester United are ready to let Dean Henderson stay on loan at Sheffield United again next season Credit: PA:Press Association. But with David De Gea and Sergio Romero expected to remain as the
Dean Henderson #1 News, Stats, Photos - Sheffield United

---

Paul Pogba believes Manchester United are recapturing the spirit of the 'Class of 92' and wants to help nurture the club's next crop of academy talents. The Red Devils have been rejuvenated since interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over from the sacked Jose Mourinho in December, winning 10 of 12 matches and going unbeaten until the
Buzz Website

---

Danny Murphy in talkSPORT debate verdict Former midfielder casts doubt over Spurs' title challenge, but praises their amazing form despite not playing in home stadium Tottenham maintaining their Premier League title challenge without playing at a home stadium has been nothing short of amazing, Danny Murphy has told talkSPORT.
Danny Murphy (footballer, born 1977) - Wikipedia

---

'Bayern Munich target' Hudson-Odoi dazzles for Chelsea in FA Cup. Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi should not leave the club because he has a "very great future" in England, says boss Maurizio Sarri.
Callum Hudson-Odoi leaning toward stay with Chelsea

---

Ex-Tottenham Boss Harry Redknapp Claims Mauricio Pochettino 'Doesn't Want Any New Signings' amidst the Premier League's current Injury crisis with Kane and Alli out.
Redknapp: Pochettino doesn't want January signings - he likes

---

Liverpool news: Jurgen Klopp hopeful Virgil van Dijk will be fit to face Leicester City. The 27-year-old has been an ever present in the league for the Reds this season and would be a huge blow if
Liverpool vs Leicester preview: Jurgen Klopp hopeful on

---

Manchester United, City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham are all in the hunt for the Champions League but how have they fared so far and can a Premier League side actually win it?
Champions League final 2019, Tottenham vs Liverpool: How

---