Antonio Conte puts blame on injuries after shock Crystal Palace defeat

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has stressed that injuries played a key part in his side's surprise defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The Blues went as favourites for the Premier League clash with Palace having failed to register a goal or point in the opening seven games of the campaign.

However, things did not go quite as planned as a Cesar Azpilicueta own goal handed the Eagles the advantage. Tiemoue Bakayoko levelled the scores with a brilliant headed goal but the returning Wilfried Zaha had the final say with the winner in the 2-1 triumph.

In a report covered by Sky Sports, Conte admitted that his side started badly with the likes of Alvaro Morata and N'Golo Kante on the sidelines, and the first-half injury to Victor Moses did them no favours.

He said: "To play this game without three important players, it is not simple. Today wasn't simple. I think we started very badly and it was very difficult. Also we need to understand the situation and to continue to work to find the right solution despite the injuries."

As a result, the Blues are nine points behind Manchester City, who are looking good value to secure the Premier League title this term. Chelsea host AS Roma in the Champions League in midweek and Conte will hope to have his side in the right frame of mind as they look to extend the lead in their group.