The Blues battled hard to return to winning ways following a sticky spell of form. Kai Havertz headed in the only goal midway through the second half, and we start our post-match analysis by dissecting the man who supplied the assist, Hakim Ziyech.

Dangerous Ziyech proves decisive

Ziyech was at his dangerous, creative best. Operating off the right flank, he was a menace in possession, and might have set up a goal for Havertz before he did, with the German heading an arguably easier chance than the one he scored over the bar in the first half.

As well as those two key passes, Ziyech also registered a game-high four successful dribbles, evidence of his willingness to take his opposite number on. His 86 touches was the most of any attacking player on the pitch, and he combined well with Mason Mount and Conor Gallagher, inviting overloads beyond Palace’s backline.

Only Havertz had more than his three attempts on goal, while the Moroccan showed the other side of his game, too. His five tackles won was bettered only by Jorginho, with Ziyech regularly dropping into a right wing-back role out of possession to help preserve the clean sheet that proved so crucial.

• 'That win was for Luca'

• Potter's post-match verdict

Centre-back pairing hit it off

Vital to our first shutout since the Bournemouth win on 27 December was the instant connection Thiago Silva and Benoit Badiashile struck up in central defence.

We have come to expect brilliance from Thiago, so it is testament to the quality of Badiashile’s debut that he matched the Brazilian in several defensive departments.

Both players won six aerials each, two more than anyone else on the pitch. They also each won all four of the tackles they attempted. Neither player was dribbled past.

Badiashile’s game-high nine clearances were fractionally more than Thiago’s seven as we dug in to repel late Palace pressure. The Frenchman’s pass completion rate of 96 per cent was especially impressive in his first experience of English football.

Gallagher in the thick of things

In his first league start since the World Cup, Conor Gallagher was everywhere, adding bite to our midfield with four tackles won.

Only Thiago Silva and Badiashile spent more time in possession than the midfielder, and his 97 touches of the ball was a joint game-high figure.

Gallagher also ranked highest for key passes (three) and dribbles (four, equal with Ziyech). His 88 per cent pass success rate in a congested area of the pitch is testament to his care in possession on a satisfying afternoon for the Blues.