The world champions were in Croydon today but you would have hardly noticed.
Chelsea won, but this was far from a glorious homecoming, Thomas Tuchel's relying on a final minute goal from Hakim Ziyech to maintain their slender hopes of winning the title.
Fresh from their Club World Cup triumph in Abu Dhabi last weekend, the Blues were laboured at best here at Selhurst Park.
But a win’s a win. When you get to this period in the season Tuchel will tell you that’s all that really matters.
Indeed, it speaks volumes for Chelsea’s mental strength that they managed to get over the line here against a resolute Crystal Palace side, who deserved more than last minute heartache.