Chelsea Stunned, Tottenham Close Gap, Ndidi Nets Stunner

Premier League leaders Chelsea fell to a shock defeat as rejuvenated Crystal Palace struck twice in two minutes to win 2-1 at Stamford Bridge yesterday. Chelsea led after five minutes as Cesc Fabregas swept a long pass out to Eden Hazard, who took on his defenders and then waited for support — and it came from Fabregas, who finished off the Belgian’s cross.

But Palace levelled within four minutes when Wilfried Zaha received the ball with his back to go and turned away from his defenders before smashing home — and they were in front when Zaha’s fine run saw him feed Christian Benteke, who scooped a brilliant finish over Thibaut Courtois.

Fabregas and Hazard linked up again to set up Diego Costa, but Wayne Hennessey produced a good save to prevent an equaliser.

The home side were dominating possession but could have found themselves further adrift when James Tomkins headed narrowly over from a corner.

Palace had another chance to make it 3-1 when Zaha was put through but Courtois got a foot to his shot to divert it away — and although Chelsea laid siege to the Palace goal they were unable to find a leveller despite seven minutes of added time.

Tottenham took advantage and cut the gap to seven points with a clinical 2-0 win at Burnley. Chances were at a premium early on, with neither goalkeeper being tested in a game in which the home side failed to fluster the Tottenham defence with a direct approach.

The Londoners had the first good opportunity when Dele Alli fired over the bar after Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton had saved but not held a shot from Christian Eriksen. But they broke through when Burnley failed to clear a cross and Eric Dier produced a cool finish after 66 minutes. And they were two clear after 77 minutes when Alli played the ball across and Son Heung-Min struck from close range.

Leicester City continued their superb recent form as they beat Stoke City 2-0 at the King Power Stadium to move further away from danger.

After a slow start, the Premier League champions took the lead in spectacular fashion after 25 minutes when Wilfred Ndidi fired into the top corner from around 30 yards out, giving Lee Grant no chance.

Grant made a fine save to prevent the revitalised champions from doubling their advantage, pushing away a fierce Riyad Mahrez attempt.

But Craig Shakespeare’s team were two up two minutes into the second period with another superb goal as Danny Simpson crossed from the right and Jamie Vardy lashed in a stunning volley.