CHELSEA’S PREMIER LEAGUE title challenge received a setback that could cost them dear as the leaders slumped to a shock 1-0 defeat at relegation-threatened Crystal Palace on Saturday.
A second-half own goal by Chelsea captain John Terry settled the game, condemning Jose Mourinho’s side to a second defeat in three games and leaving them at risk of being overtaken by both Liverpool and Manchester City.
City, who have three games in hand, could move above Chelsea on goal difference if they win at Arsenal later on Saturday, while Liverpool can climb above Mourinho’s men by beating Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Palace enjoyed the best of the first half at a sun-soaked Selhurst Park, with Yannick Bolasie hitting the side netting, and they took the lead in the 52nd minute when Terry headed Joel Ward’s cross into his own net.
In response, Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni had to save from Eden Hazard, but the hosts might have extended their lead minutes later when Jason Puncheon grazed the post from Cameron Jerome’s pass.
Speroni then produced a stunning full-stretch save to deny Hazard for a second time, before Jerome squandered another opportunity to kill the visitors off with a shot that hit the outside of the post.
Palace continued to threaten, with Petr Cech saving from Puncheon and Stuart O’Keefe, but Fernando Torres spurned a glorious chance to equalise for Chelsea in the dying stages when he chipped over.
It was the second surprise loss in the space of a fortnight for Mourinho, whose side were beaten 1-0 at Aston Villa on March 15, and allowed Palace to pull five points clear of the relegation zone.
