By Daily Sports on December 18, 2016

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew has said Chelsea’s defence was the “toughest” his forwards have faced after they suffered a 1-0 loss at home on Saturday.

A first-half header from Diego Costa was enough to secure an 11th Premier League win in a row for the Blues, who are now nine points clear at the top of the table.

Pardew, whose Palace side have lost seven of their last nine games, said: “It was a strong performance but they did not give us anything and that was as good a defensive display that we have seen. Once we conceded, it was very difficult.

“We could not get Wilfried Zaha isolated. We kept the ball and passed it well, but the final pass was very difficult. For our offensive players, it was the toughest game they have had. This team is not getting what it is deserves. That will change.

“We have all come up against this system before but it is with outstanding players. They ask questions and do not make errors. N’Golo Kante gives so much energy like he had at Leicester and fills holes which goes unnoticed.

“You don’t really expect a centre-half [Cesar Azpilicueta] to have that quality — it was a Cesc Fabregas-type ball for the goal and it was a crucial one before half-time. I take heart from the last two performances. We deserved something.” (NAN)

•Photo shows Alan Pardew

Source Daily Sports

Posted December 18, 2016

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