** Kai Havertz came to the rescue of Chelsea and under-pressure manager Graham Potter when he headed the second-half goal which provided a 1:0 home derby win over Crystal Palace. The victory would have helped reassure new signing Mykhailo Mudryk about his decision to turn down an offer from leaders Arsenal.

Mudryk, 22, has signed an eight-and-a-half-year contract after costing an initial £62m from Shakhtar Donetsk. He was introduced on the pitch to fans before kickoff then watched his new team-mates secure only their second league win since the World Cup and end a run of three defeats in all competitions.

Victory lifted Chelsea level on points with ninth-placed Liverpool whom they face at Anfield in their next match on Saturday.

Havertz broke the deadlock by converting a cross from Hakim Ziyech just after the hour. He is Chelsea’s five-goal top scorer in the league. Havertz might have scored a second but headed a Mason Mount cross wide from close range. Palace’s Cheick Doucoure was denied a late equaliser by a spectacular save from Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Manager Potter said: “We are just happy with the three points. Overall we played quite well but today was all about getting the victory. Given the situation we are in it was never going to be champagne football but the boys gave it everything. Kai worked the line really well. He pushed and pushed and I’m pleased for him to get the winning goal.”

At the top of the table Arsenal extended their lead by winning 2-0 at derby neighbours Tottenham while Newcastle maintained third place with a 1-0 win over Fulham.

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