The Crystal Palace boss could only admit his side were outplayed by the Spaniard and his Blues' team-mates in Sunday's heavy defeat

Alan Pardew indicated Cesc Fabregas was the difference as Crystal Palace's six-match unbeaten run ended with a 3-0 Premier League defeat to Chelsea on Sunday.

Palace were without Yohan Cabaye through suspension and Fabregas made the most of the Frenchman's absence by controlling the centre of the field at Selhurst Park.

The Spain international - heavily criticised by Chelsea supporters for his lacklustre form in the slump that saw Jose Mourinho axed - dictated play as Oscar, Willian and Diego Costa were on target to record the first win of Guus Hiddink's second spell in charge.

"When you've got a very, very good team and their confidence isn't what it was, you've got more of a chance," Pardew told Sky Sports after the match.