The Blues left Selhurst Park with three hard-earned Premier League points courtesy of Hakim Ziyech’s very late winner. The Moroccan’s seventh goal of the season secured a second straight London derby win without conceding, albeit four weeks apart because of our involvement in the Club World Cup.

Searching for fluency

It felt like a stalemate was on the cards for much of yesterday’s game at Selhurst Park. Palace drew their last outing at Brentford 0-0, and they were happy to try and replicate that result by keeping a solid shape out of possession while offering an occasional counter-attacking threat.

It led to a game of very few chances. Palace didn’t have a shot on target, while only three of our nine attempts were, and none between N’Golo Kante’s saved effort in the 20th minute and Ziyech’s decider.

The blustery conditions and Palace’s physical approach meant ball retention was tricky, reflected by our relatively low 83 per cent pass completion rate. In keeping us at bay the Eagles made more clearances, interceptions and tackles than us, although of the 18 aerial duels contested each team won an even 50 per cent.

Ziyech waves his wand

It was another enterprising showing from Ziyech, who has now scored in three straight Premier League games. He had 76 touches, the most of any non-defender, and his confidence at the moment is epitomised by the fact he embarked on 11 dribbles. Four were successful, a joint game-high figure alongside Christian Pulisic, who was employed in a deeper role than usual.

Following two outside-the-box strikes against Brighton and Tottenham, the Moroccan’s winning goal in south London showcased his predatory instincts as he arrived unmarked at the far post to convert Marcos Alonso’s deep cross. Only 14 minutes earlier he had had a goal disallowed by VAR for an offside on Romelu Lukaku, and with the Blues struggling for final-third fluency in recent weeks his form is a real boon for Thomas Tuchel.

In a tough contest, Ziyech also did his job defensively, winning three tackles, a figure bettered only by Jorginho (five) of those wearing yellow.

Blues extend Palace streak

We left it late but Ziyech's goal means we have picked up nine successive league wins against Palace for the very first time. They have now lost 20 of their 26 games against us in the competition, a record 77 per cent losing rate. It is also the first time we have won four league games in a row at Selhurst Park.

For Tuchel's Blues, our good London record goes on. We have now won 10 of our 12 derbies under the German in the Premier League, with an 11th goal in the final 15 minutes of a game this season getting us over the line.