Finally, something for Potter to smile about! Chelsea winners, losers & ratings as Blues start Mudryk era with ugly win on emotional day at Stamford Bridge

It wasn't pretty, it wasn't particularly convincing, but my word was it important.

On an emotional day at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea fans paid tribute to club legend Gianluca Vialli, the Blues ground out a precious victory against Crystal Palace which went some way to lifting the cloud of negativity that has festered in west London since before the World Cup break.

Kai Havertz, who in truth could have had a hat trick, was their saviour, leaping gracefully to divert Hakim Ziyech's perfect cross past Vicente Guaita in the Palace goal.

Potter had a hero to thank at the other end too, though. Although the addition of Benoit Badiashile added some solidity to their recently porous backline, the tricky Eagles still carved out their fair share of chances and the under-fire Kepa Arrizabalaga came to his side's rescue with several smart saves.

If Chelsea had been a bit slicker in the final third, Kepa would not have had such an anxiety-inducing afternoon. And Potter will be hoping that his new signing, Mykhailo Mudryk - who was the subject of a subdued unveiling at half time - can help in that regard.

It would be far too much to say that this felt like the 'Chelsea are back!' moment. But it's something. It's a start. And with the way things have been going recently, that is all the Blues can really hope for at this stage.

Here are GOAL's winners and losers from the game...