After the euphoria of their comeback against Ajax,
Chelsea had to show resolve of a different kind to maintain their upward trajectory in the Premier League. Frank Lampard needed his players to keep frustration at bay and he needed a striker with the nerve to stop a grind of a game turning into an ordeal.
Fortunately for Lampard, Tammy Abraham has not allowed his head to drop once this season and Chelsea’s leading goalscorer was ruthless when he finally shook off Gary Cahill and James Tomkins, Crystal Palace’s burly centre-halves. The 22-year-old took his 11th goal of the season with aplomb, finishing confidently to score for the first time at Stamford Bridge since 31 August, and there would be further joy when a late header from the rejuvenated Christian Pulisic killed off Palace’s slim hopes of snatching an undeserved point.