Chelsea`s Crystal Palace debacle left title fight wide open

Zee Media Bureau/Jayanta Oinam

London: At Sylhurst Park, Jose Mourinho`s title chasing Chelsea received a shock-treatment from Crystal Palace, thanks to an own-goal from John Terry. Chelsea`s 0-1 London derby defeat to lowly Eagles have opened up the title race, once more. Besides the Stamford Bridge outfit, Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal are also in the reckoning for 2013-14 league crown after the reigning champions Manchester United have compromise their title defence in one of the liveliest English seasons. Despite the defeat, Chelsea still leading the pack and are one point ahead of Liverpool. The Reds, under the spell of `SAS` strike-force of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge, will play their game in hand against the visiting Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Sunday. And in the current form, Brendan Rodgers can hope for at least a point, if not all three available. Manchester City are two points behind Chelsea. But most importantly, Manuel Pellegrini`s team still has two matches in hand on the London club. Citizens` 1-1 draw at Arsenal somehow stalled their imminent jump into the top of the table, but a deficit of two points can be easily eclipsed in two outings – if their recent form are to be considered. Arsenal, following a string of indifferent performances, have seemingly found themselves waylaid by their own fallacies. But, with 18 points still available, Gunners will fight till the end. The five-point deficit off the pace will not demoralise Arsene Wenger`s squad.