Premier League Recap: Chelsea Fall at Home to Crystal Palace, Arsenal Rescue a Point against Man City

• Wilfried Zaha (9′)
• Christian Benteke (11′)

Starting Lineups

Check out the starting lineups for @ChelseaFC and @CPFC #PLonNBC pic.twitter.com/tfqaizjOpZ

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) April 1, 2017

Recap

A slip-up from the league leaders at home has seemingly opened the title race again. The shocking defeat at Stamford Bridge has shrunk Chelsea’s lead to seven points with Tottenham right on their heels, and a date with Man City waiting on Wednesday.

In an action packed opening portion of the match, Cesc Fabregas opener after just five minutes looked like it would send Chelsea on their way to a fifth straight win in the league. Eden Hazard, on the left wing where he does alot of damage, slipped in a ball at the near post, and the on-running Fabregas saw his shot bounce in off the woodwork.

That lead evaporated quickly, as a goal and an assist from Wilfried Zaha propelled the visitors in front.

Benteke, who along with Zaha caused problems throughout the game for Chelsea’s back three, played a short lob into Zaha at the edge of the box. Zaha did well to strongly hold off Cesar Azpilicueta who was pressing him. Surrounded by three defenders and moving to his right, Zaha unleashed a low driven shot across his body, and the ball dribbled past Courtois into the side netting to tie the game up at 1-1.

Wilfried Zaha scored this equalizer just in time for brunch #CPFC pic.twitter.com/NvtdkdF3Cg

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) April 1, 2017

Two minutes later, Benteke and Zaha reversed their roles to put Crystal Palace in front.

Benteke ran at the Chelsea backline and a fortuitous deflection placed the ball in Zaha’s path on the left side of the box.  Zaha stretched his right foot out to play back to path of an all-alone Benteke. The Belgian striker stopped the ball on a dime to avoid a sliding Courtois, and chipped the ball into the net. Despite being only 11 minutes into the game, Benteke’s cheeky finish gave Sam Allardyce’s men the lead they’d hold on to the rest of the game.

Christian Benteke knows how to get the party started #CPFC pic.twitter.com/teiOrgWUim

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) April 1, 2017

The win marks the second straight year Crystal Palace has won by a 2-1 scoreline at Stamford Bridge. The win propels them to 16th place, four points clear of the relegation.