A series of below-par individual displays from the club's most celebrated players ensured the team failed to establish any rhythm.
Chelsea had enough half-chances to have stolen a draw but it would have flattered the hosts.
Jose Mourinho's team look a shadow of the side that romped to the title last season and there must be some serious concern behind the scenes.
With just a couple of days left until the transfer window closes, there needs to be some serious investment to arrest the alarming slide in form.
Player ratings (1-10, 10=best; players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Thibaut Courtois, 7 -- Kept the score level going into halftime with a superb stop to deny Yohan Cabaye. Had little chance with either of the goals.
DF Branislav Ivanovic, 5 -- Another poor performance from the Serb, whose season continued as he was run ragged by Wilfried Zaha, especially in the first half. In his defence, there was a total lack of help down the right flank.
DF Kurt Zouma, 6 -- Standing in for the suspended John Terry, the young Frenchman had a decent game, though was not helped by the lack of a midfield shield. Was thrown forward at the death to add some added height late, though it had little effect.
DF Gary Cahill, 6 -- Like Zouma alongside him, the England international was often left exposed by the midfield and was forced to step out of defence to stamp out the danger. Found himself in awkward positions as a result.
DF Cesar Azpilicueta, 7 -- One of the few exempt from blame after putting in a solid effort during his time on the pitch. Was substituted as Chelsea chased the game in the latter stages.
MF Nemanja Matic, 5 -- Still searching for the form of last season, the enforcer was too often bumped off the ball when he should have been commanding the centre of the pitch. Was taken off in the second half, having proved ineffectual in almost every department.
MF Cesc Fabregas, 3 -- The biggest mystery of the season is the plummeting form of the Spain international. The man who had such mastery of the ball last season now looks like he has never seen one before. Currently being picked on reputation alone.
MF Willian, 6 -- Deployed in the No. 10 role, the Brazilian was far less effective than when played out wide. Sprayed some long passes around in the first half but never looked like unlocking the Palace defence.
FW Pedro, 6 -- Started busily, though faded as the game wore on. Played a lovely ball in for Radamel Falcao's goal but his failure to help out Ivanovic at the other end was damaging.
FW Eden Hazard, 5 -- The Belgian is yet to discover his spark this season and it is proving costly to a team that depends too heavily upon him. Normally decisive when a tight game enters the latter stages, it was telling that he was totally anonymous as the clock ticked down. Chelsea need him to get up to speed very quickly.
FW Diego Costa, 6 -- Spent more time arguing with officials and the opposition than playing football. Made one lung-bursting run to set up a chance for Pedro, but that was the exception rather than the rule.
Substitutes
FW Radamel Falcao, 7 -- Showed excellent movement despite rarely getting the ball. Took his goal with the predatory instincts that once made him one of the most feared strikers in world football.
DF Kenedy, 7 -- Filled in at left-back when he came on and made some dynamic weaving runs, showing why Chelsea were so keen to bring him to England.
MF Ruben Loftus-Cheek, N/R -- Contributed more to the game in the 17 minutes he was on the pitch than either Matic or Fabregas did all match.
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