Chelsea extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to nine points, for at least a day, with a 1-0 win against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park as Diego Costa scored his 50th goal for the club.
Costa, who will miss the home game against Bournemouth on Dec. 26 after picking up his fifth booking of the season, made the decisive contribution in the 43rd minute when he headed Chelsea in front.
Eden Hazard and Nemanja Matic returned to the Chelsea starting XI in place of Pedro and Cesc Fabregas, while for Palace Joe Ledley and Jason Puncheon replaced Mathieu Flamini and Lee Chung-Yong.