Premier league leader Chelsea lost for the first time in nearly three months as relegation-threatened Crystal Palace won 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday to keep up its resurgence under Sam Allardyce.
Wilfried Zaha sparked Palace's comeback after Cesc Fabregas' fifth-minute opener for Chelsea, with the winger equalizing in the 9th and setting up Christian Benteke for the winning goal barely a minute later.
It was only Chelsea's fourth loss of the season, and first since a 2-0 defeat at Tottenham on Jan 4.
Spurs are leading the unlikely chase to reel in Chelsea, closing to within seven points after a 2-0 win at Burnley on Saturday. Both teams have nine games left to play.
Palace had goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey to thank for preserving the lead as Chelsea dominated after going behind, with the defensive effort even harder because of injuries to center backs James Tomkins and Scott Dann.
Palace has won its last four games but is only four points above the relegation zone.
Chelsea lost despite having star winger Eden Hazard back in the team after injury.
Manu draws with west Brom
Manchester United endured familiar frustration at Old Trafford by drawing with West Bromwich Albion 0-0 in the English Premier league on Saturday, a damaging result in its bid to qualify for the Champions league.
West Brom was the eighth side to leave Old Trafford with a draw this campaign, joining the likes of Hull, Stoke, and Burnley in defying United.
United stayed fifth and was four points behind Manchester City — the occupier of the final Champions league qualification place — having played the same number of games. City plays sixth-place Arsenal on Sunday.