Reigning Premier League champions Chelsea suffered a surprise 2-1 home defeat against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The defeat was only Jose Mourinho’s second home Premier League defeat in his two spells as Blues boss.
The Eagles took the lead on 65 minutes, as new signing Bakary Sako slotted home from Yannick Bolasie’s cross. It was the winger’s second goal in just two appearances for Alan Pardew’s men.
The Blues looked to be back in the game on 79 minutes. Spanish winger Pedro produced a superb cross and substitute Radamel Falcao headed home his first goal for his new club. Parity did not last long though.
Two minutes later and Palace were back in front. Sako was again involved this time finding full-back Joel Ward, who headed home from inside the Chelsea penalty area.
Chelsea pushed for an equaliser, but resolute defending meant the Eagles held on to their third victory in their four league games so far this season.
Chelsea’s title rivals Manchester City claimed a comfortable 2-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium over newly-promoted Watford to move eight points clear of the champions in the table.
The Hornets frustrated Mourinho’s men in the first half. However, the Citizens made a breakthrough early in the second half. Full-back Bacary Sagna fired in a cross and unmarked Raheem Sterling placed a volley past Heurelho Gomes in the Watford goal.
City doubled their lead 11 minutes into the second half. Fernandinho played a one-two with David Silva before hitting a superbly powerful effort past Gomes.
Elsewhere West Ham claimed a surprise 3-0 win at Liverpool, while West Brom claimed a 1-0 win at Stoke, who had two players dismissed. Aston Villa and Sunderland drew 2-2 at Villa Park in an entertaining encounter.
Other Premier League weekend results:
Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal
Bournemouth 1-1 Leicester
Tottenham 0-0 Everton
Sunday
Southampton 3-0 Norwich
Can Chelsea still catch Manchester City this season?
