Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace, Premier League: Half-time report

Chelsea have had the lion's share of the possession, Crystal Palace had the best chance, but neither team has found the breakthrough just yet.

The Blues have certainly not been at their best, with lots of tame possession around the box ending in hopeful shots from distance.  Passing accuracy, while scintillating at times, has been shockingly bad at other times.  It doesn't help that Hazard seems to be half speed since the early knock he picked up, Willian's shooting is not dialed in at all, and Costa has been seemingly more concerned with gamesmanship than the game itself (though he did almost get on the end of an Azpilicueta cross).  Pedro had a decent look early, but his curling left-footed shot whittled just wide.

In defense, we've survived repeated corner kicks and Palace sorties down our right flank, with Ivanovic acquitting himself well enough given that he's regularly had to face two speedy wingers in Zaha and Sako.  Zouma and Cahill have had little trouble with Wickham, so continuing to shut down the flanks will be key.

Just before the end of the half, Chelsea could've and perhaps should've taken the lead, with McCarthy making a tremendous save from Fabregas on the rebound and then Matic getting a bit unlucky after dribbling through the middle.

Chelsea finished the half stronger of the two teams; let's build on that momentum.  UP THE BLUES!