Yann Mad four it as Jaap boys march on
LEEDS surrendered fourth place in the Championship to Reading as their play-off rivals edged a tight game at the Madejski Stadium.
Yann Kermorgant grabbed the only goal of the game when he latched on to a loose ball on the edge of the area and lashed home an unstoppable drive in the 21st minute.
Jaap Stam’s Royals started the day two points behind Leeds and the Yorkshiremen began well, with Pablo Hernandez taking advantage of an error by Tyler Blackett but with only Ali Al Habsi to beat he shot tamely at the keeper.
Reading’s patient style almost paid off when a short pass from Roy Beerens released John Swift but he sliced his shot over the bar.
The Royals upped the tempo and were rewarded in the 21st minute.
A quick throw-in from Garath McCleary was nodded towards the edge of his own area by Leeds’ Charlie Taylor and Kermorgant pounced to smash in his 11th goal of the season.
Leeds keeper Rob Green got a hand to it but could only help it on its way.
Reading twice wasted good chances to extend their lead, with Beerens volleying over and McCleary denied in a one-on-one with Green.
Hernandez went close to connecting with a fine cross from Alfonso Pedraza, while Kermorgant struck a post with a low effort.
Reading started brightly after the break with a cheeky back-flick from Kermorgant deflected wide.
A plastic bottle was then thrown at Al Habsi from the section of Leeds fans behind his goal as he prepared to take a free-kick.
The visitors piled on the pressure near the end but could not find an equaliser.
The game ended on an ugly note when other objects were thrown at Al Habsi from the same section of Leeds fans.
Match-winner Kermorgant said: “It was a tough fight in the second half. We knew they’d play a bit more direct and we had to make sure we didn’t concede.
“Hopefully we’ll finish in the top six and then we’ll see after that.”
Runaway leaders Chelsea started the day 10 points clear of the Premier League pack, with Sam Allardyce’s relegation-haunted Palace – despite a run of three successive wins – considered just another stepping stone on the road to the title. How wrong we all were. The Eagles came from behind with goals from Wilfried Zaha and Christian Benteke in a two-minute blast.
And then they held out in the face of a Blues onslaught, with keeper Wayne Hennessey getting in the way of everything thrown at him.
Allardyce said: “That shocked you all, didn’t it? I think our plan was one of the keys to why we’ve won.
“But the plan can only work when your players play to the best of their abilities, which means the absolute maximum against Chelsea.
“We went a goal down after five minutes but instead of their heads going down – which is what I saw when I first arrived – I saw a massive response, determination and will to get back into the game.
“And some of the saves from our goalkeeper were the reason we won it in the end.
“Holding out here to win is outstanding, particularly in the position we’re in. Nobody expected it.
“Wilf must feel really good about himself. It’s about consistent performances at the moment. It was there before he left for the Ivory Coast. He’s continued to show that with them and he showed it today with his performance and quality of football in possession.”
Conte’s side missed chances galore – and when they did get through Palace’s packed ranks Hennessey was there to deny them.
It had all started so well, with the home side needing just five minutes to make their mark.
Cesc Fabregas hit a long, raking pass from deep inside his own area to find Eden Hazard on the left.
The Belgian did what he does best, jinked, moved and held play up until the cavalry arrived in the shape of Fabregas, who dashed forward to add a side-foot finish to the move he had started. That lead lasted just four minutes, though. Benteke found Zaha who, with his back to goal, held off Cesar Azpilicueta and evaded Nemanja Matic to fire a low shot into the bottom corner past Thibaut Courtois’ despairing dive.
And while Conte was still digesting that setback his side went behind.
Benteke charged down the left and the ball broke for Zaha as David Luiz and N’Golo Kante tried to halt the striker.
Zaha’s return pass found the unmarked Benteke and the striker kept his composure to lift the ball neatly over his Belgium team-mate Courtois.
Conte’s side responded immediately and Andros Townsend was lucky not to concede a penalty when Pedro’s shot struck his arm in the 17th minute.
Palace defended deep and with Hennessey in inspired form and their defence superbly marshalled by on-loan Mamadou Sakho Chelsea needed some magic from the likes of Hazard.
But instead of opening the door for the Blues he always seemed to run into walls.
The tricky Zaha always gave Palace an outlet and his team-mates were quick to join him.
Chelsea relentlessly powered forward but time and again Hennessey produced crucial saves. Leading scorer Diego Costa headed wide from Hazard’s cross as Chelsea continued to waste chances and Hennessey saved from Fabregas as the Palace rearguard held firm.
Keeper Courtois even joined the attack in the dying minutes but it was Palace who almost grabbed another goal in added time, Zaha lifting his effort over the bar from 12 yards.
Eagles boss Allardyce seems to finally be working his magic again, with his side’s three-game winning streak before this game – with no goals conceded – lifting them four points clear of the bottom three.
Big Sam’s experience, Sakho’s influence in the back four and the refound confidence from flair players Zaha and Townsend could be the combination that will lead them to Premier League safety.
However, before everyone at Selhurst Park starts high-fiving one another, Palace must still play every team currently in the top six – so they are going to have to pull a rabbit or two out of the hat before the season is done and dusted.
But they deserved the three points and their celebrations yesterday and few would deny them after a gritty performance.
Chelsea boss Conte said: “We created many chances to score. We dominated the game against a team, very strong with really good players. Yes, it’s a pity but today wasn’t our day.
“Now we have to play on Wednesday against Manchester City and we all know the strength of this team. But, now, the most important thing is to recover very well and rest.” the wake of the recent London terrorist attack.
A group of Palace fans released three flares after their side had fought back from a goal down to take the lead.
Police were immediately brought in to surround the group.
But another flare was let off at the end as Palace ended Chelsea‘s 13-match unbeaten run.