CHRISTIAN BENTEKE scored a brilliant goal as Crystal Palace came from behind to send leaders Chelsea crashing to a shock home defeat.
Benteke showed a touch of class as he left Thibaut Courtois on his backside before calmly flicking a cheeky lob into the back of the net.
9
Christian Benteke chips past Thibaut Courtois to stun ChelseaCredit: Getty Images
9
Benteke celebrates his wonderful goal as Palace win again at Stamford BridgeCredit: Reuters
The goal capped a remarkable turnaround for Sam Allardyce's relegation strugglers who had fallen behind after just five minutes when Cesc Fabregas turned home from close range.
But Palace hit back within three minutes when Wilfried Zaha drove a low shot into the bottom corner before the winger turned provider for Benteke to score the winner.
FACTS, STATS, GOALS AND LOLS
IT looked as though it was going to be a comfortable afternoon for Chelsea when Eden Hazard, back from a calf injury, crossed for Cesc Fabregas to slot them ahead in the fifth minute.
9
Cesc Fabregas gets on to an Eden Hazard cross to fire Chelsea into an early leadCredit: Reuters
9
Fabregas is mobbed by his Chelsea teammates after his early goal against PalaceCredit: Reuters
BUT Palace stormed back with two goals in two minutes as Wilfried Zaha swivelled to score a perfectly placed equaliser in the ninth minute before setting up Christian Benteke to put the Eagles ahead with a dink shot over Thibaut Courtois 60 seconds later.
THE visitors could face an FA rap, though, after their fans let off a flare and firecracker after their first goal AND another firecracker after their second goal.
9
Wilfried Zaha drills his low shot past the Chelsea defence for the equaliserCredit: Reuters
9
Zaha and Jason puncheon celebrate his equalising goal against ChelseaCredit: Getty Images
YOU have to admire the optimism of the fan who brought two firecrackers to a stadium where a visiting team had not managed to score twice in a match since New Year’s Eve.
FAIR play to the linesman, whoever his name was, for putting Palace coach Kevin Keen in his place for moaning about a first-half call made by ref Craig Pawson. The man with the flag showed he is not for messing with as he shouted back at the former West Ham player: “Oi, who’s got the better view, you are him?”
9
Christian Benteke fools Thibaut Courtois as he puts Palace ahead at Stamford BridgeCredit: Rex Features
9
Even Wilfried Zaha is impressed by the quality of the Christian Benteke goalCredit: Rex Features
PALACE keeper Wayne Hennessey had a stormer, blocking Diego Costa’s 22nd minute shot at point-blank range and keeping out efforts from Hazard and Matic before the break.
SAM ALLARDYCE sent on Scott Dann for James Tomkins during the break but the sub was carried off on a stretcher 10 minutes into the second half after hurting his right knee heroically blocking a shot from Costa.
BUT it was Palace who should have scored next as Zaha ran through on goal only to be denied by Courtois’ left boot which diverted the ball just inches wide of his far post.
COSTA then wasted a glorious chance to level when he headed Hazard’s cross wide.
WHAT THEY SAID
"That shocked you didn't it?", Crystal Palace boss Sam Allardyce. "The plan was one of the keys to why we've won. The plan can only work when players play to their best."
