Deja Vu

Predictably Crystal Palace played against Chelsea like it was the FA Cup final. Predictably Chelsea played against Crystal Palace like it was a pre-season friendly. Predictably Crystal Palace quickly scored their first goal of their league campaign against Chelsea. Predictably Crystal Palace collected their first league points of the season against Chelsea. Predictably Crystal Palace won their first league match at the eighth attempt against Chelsea. Predictably Chelsea were clueless and toothless against an inspired Crystal Palace. You see, Crystal Palace defeating Chelsea is no longer a shock result, but a matter of routine. It's all very depressing for Chelsea fans, as their team are consistently inept against Crystal Palace.

Of course the tiresome noises that will come out of Stamford Bridge will be that there will be a "reaction" against AS Roma. Tis a matter of supreme futility if a team underperforms and then achieves a "reaction" and then reverts to the cycle of underperformance followed by a "reaction." Such is the very essence of mid-table teams, who go into their shell and then raise their game and repeat ad nauseam. Far from boldly defending their league title, Chelsea are now looking like a team that will struggle to finish fourth. We daren't even blame the international break, as Manchester City (stricken by the international break) proceeded to an astonishing seven-two trouncing of hapless Stoke City.

Predictably Chelsea seem incapable of stringing two good seasons together. Oh well. Look out mid table. Here comes Chelsea - again.

Crystal Palace 2 CHELSEA 1; half time: 2-1

CHELSEA goal scorer: Bakayoko

CHELSEA: Courtois; Cahill; Azpilicueta; Alonso; Luiz; Moses; Willian; Bakayoko; Batshuayi; Fabregas; Hazard. Used substitutes: Zappacosta; Pedro; Musonda

CHELSEA leading scorers:

Morata seven

Batshuayi five

Alonso two

Bakayoko two

Pedro two