Chelsea’s Premier League rivals hoping for news of a meltdown and those in need of some title excitement will be disappointed to find out there was little evidence of either brewing following the shock defeat to Crystal Palace.

If trouble is around the corner for Antonio Conte and his Chelsea table-toppers, then there were few clues to be taken away from Stamford Bridge on Saturday night.

Head coach Conte, who has ranted and raved his way through countless victories this season, remained “cool” in the dressing room and stressed the fact that he and his players would not be panicked by only their second home defeat of the season.

Eden Hazard laughed his way through questions about Real Madrid and reiterated the fact he is happy where he is.

And Diego Costa, a man who could start an argument in an empty room, hung around in the tunnel to give a young supporter, who was there with Chelsea’s matchday wishes programme for ill children, his shirt and a warm hug.