Twitter Reacts as John Obi Mikel Stars in Chelsea's Win over Crystal Palace

Chelsea showed signs of a return to their old form on Sunday with an emphatic 3-0 win away to Crystal Palace.

John Obi Mikel retained his place and Cesc Fabregas started for Chelsea in place of Nemanja Matic at a sodden Selhurst Park:

"

First time Nemanja Matic has been left on the bench for an away league game since rejoining Chelsea. No longer an auto-Matic selection.

— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) January 3, 2016"

"

Not surprised Mikel starts - Hiddink loves him. Am surprised that Matic doesn't; thought carried ball well v United & was solid. Fabregas 😏

— Alfie Jones (@everydaypundit) January 3, 2016"

"

Selhurst Park wishing fans a Happy New Year. Pouring down. #cpfc #cfc pic.twitter.com/VIv7rPaWCx

— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) January 3, 2016"

"

Worried that Alan Pardew's coat is only water resistant not water proof. Always best to check the label properly

— Barney Ronay (@barneyronay) January 3, 2016"

The Blues were forced into an early change when Eden Hazard limped off:

"

Eden Hazard forced off after injuring his groin taking a shot. #CFC https://t.co/z6hjUCzpzn pic.twitter.com/ucygUmiZAZ

— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) January 3, 2016"

"

Hazard #cfc looked like he pulled his left adductor, subbed (by Pedro), walks to tunnel, stares at #cpfc fan who said something.

— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) January 3, 2016"

"

Some members of the home crowd showing concern for Hazard's health as he walked off past the stand

— Barney Ronay (@barneyronay) January 3, 2016"

"

Hazard is right. It is a day to stay indoors.

— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) January 3, 2016"

"

It's like Hazard just woke up one morning last summer and thought 'nah, can't be arsed with the football any more.'

— Mark Jones (@Mark_Jones86) January 3, 2016"

But the visiting supporters soon had reason to cheer, as Oscar put the Blues ahead:

"

Goal Chelsea. pic.twitter.com/XDXKxdme9Y

— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) January 3, 2016"

"

Very good goal. Superb pass from Fabregas, his first decent one of the game, great work from Costa, tap-in for Oscar

— Robert Rea (@robertrea) January 3, 2016"

"

Chelsea fans haven't seen that kind of football since Swansea away 12 months ago

— Simon Johnson (@sjstandardsport) January 3, 2016"

"

Fabregas and Costa get the band back together. Finally. #CFC

— Sam Tighe (@stighefootball) January 3, 2016"

"

Diego Costa 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

— Troy Deeney (@T_Deeney) January 3, 2016"

Chelsea's new midfield duo were impressing:

"

Mikel doing his best Pirlo impression in midfield

— ChelseaFansChannel (@ChelseaFansYT) January 3, 2016"

"

Don Obi Mikel

— Chelsea Rumours (@ChelseaRumours) January 3, 2016"

"

People that don't rate John Obi Mikel are the same ones that don't move their bag off the spare seat on the train when you need to sit down

— Rik Sharma (@riksharma_) January 3, 2016"

"

Cesc Fabregas: to activate, just add water. Who knew it was that simple?

— Dan Levene (@danlevene) January 3, 2016"

Guus Hiddink's side went into the break 1-0 up:

"

HT: Crystal Palace 0-1 Chelsea #CFC have controlled the game with hard-work, creativity and clever running. https://t.co/cjEi9RTHI9

— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) January 3, 2016"

"

It's a Christmas miracle! We've had a decent first half. More of the same in the second Chelsea

— ChelseaFansChannel (@ChelseaFansYT) January 3, 2016"

Chelsea extended their lead in the second half when Willian thundered home a stunning strike:

"

What a goal from Willian, smashed into the net. Then slides across the soaked surface, giving a salute. 2-0 #cfc

— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) January 3, 2016"

"

What a goal - followed by ironic Chelsea chants of "we're gonna win the league"

— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) January 3, 2016"

Diego Costa bundled home a third to seal the victory:

"

All 10 outfield players celebrate wth Costa after he makes it 3-0. Bit of team spirit never a bad thing. #CFC pic.twitter.com/k2nRDwF5lP

— Garry Hayes (@garryhayes) January 3, 2016"

It was very much new near, new Chelsea:

"

In your faces, Arsenal fans - we're winning 2016.

— Ashley Connick (@AshleyConnick) January 3, 2016"

"

Chelsea turning on the style, and proving once and for all that they were playing badly on purpose, because they all hated Mourinho.

— Paddy Power (@paddypower) January 3, 2016"

The win lifted Chelsea up to 14th, while Palace stayed seventh.

"

FT: Crystal Palace 0-3 Chelsea #CFC finally show the form of champions pic.twitter.com/KCFOx8czG7

— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) January 3, 2016"

[Twitter]