Chelsea returned to winning ways on the road with an impressive 3-1 victory over a struggling Crystal Palace side at Selhurst Park. The match was defined by a standout performance from young talent Estêvão, who opened the scoring and provided an assist, while Palace's afternoon was marred by defensive errors and a red card for Adam Wharton.
Estêvão Stars in Chelsea's Dominant Display
Under new manager Liam Rosenior, Chelsea ended a run of five Premier League games without an away win, delivering a performance that will ease any doubts about his appointment. The 18-year-old Estêvão was the catalyst, stepping into the shoes of the absent Cole Palmer with seamless ease. His dynamic play caused constant problems for the Palace defence throughout the ninety minutes.
Palace's Defensive Woes Compound Their Misery
Crystal Palace's afternoon began badly and deteriorated further as the match progressed. The home side, already missing departed captain Marc Guéhi, suffered from a costly error by teenage defender Jaydee Canvot. His underhit backpass in the first half was intercepted by Estêvão, who showed composure beyond his years to round Dean Henderson and slot home the opening goal.
Palace's frustrations were compounded when Adam Wharton received a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Moises Caicedo in the second half. To add insult to injury, Chelsea were awarded a controversial penalty when João Pedro's shot struck Canvot's arm, with Enzo Fernández converting from the spot to make it 3-0.
Rosenior's Positive Start Continues
For Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior, this victory represents another positive step in his early tenure. His side are now unbeaten since he succeeded Enzo Maresca at the beginning of the month, and this result lifts them back into the Premier League's top four positions. The performance was characterised by controlled possession and clinical finishing when opportunities arose.
Rosenior's decision to start Estêvão proved inspired, with the Brazilian teenager receiving a standing ovation from the travelling Chelsea supporters when he was substituted with sixteen minutes remaining. His combination play with João Pedro was particularly effective, culminating in Chelsea's second goal just after half-time.
Palace's Concerning Run Extends
For Oliver Glasner's Crystal Palace, this defeat extends their winless run against Chelsea in the Premier League to seventeen matches. More worryingly, it represents their eleventh game without victory in all competitions, leaving them nervously looking over their shoulder at the relegation battle developing below them.
The late consolation goal from Chris Richards provided little comfort for the home supporters, who had seen their side struggle to create clear chances despite some promising early pressure. Jean-Philippe Mateta missed a golden opportunity in the first half when he failed to capitalise on a defensive error, summing up Palace's afternoon of frustration.
With difficult away trips to Nottingham Forest and rivals Brighton awaiting them, Palace face a crucial period in their season. The absence of leadership following Guéhi's departure to Manchester City was evident throughout, despite Dean Henderson taking the captain's armband and urging his teammates to move on quickly in his programme notes.
Midfield Battle Proves Decisive
The midfield contest ultimately swung the match in Chelsea's favour. While Palace enjoyed periods of possession, particularly through the dangerous partnership of Ismaïla Sarr and Daniel Muñoz on the right flank, they lacked the cutting edge demonstrated by their visitors. Chelsea's midfield trio of Fernández, Caicedo, and the impressive Estêvão controlled the tempo of the game, limiting Palace's opportunities to counter-attack effectively.
Palace will rue missed opportunities, particularly Mateta's early chance and Sarr's volley that flew just wide from a long throw-in. These moments proved costly against a Chelsea side growing in confidence under their new management. The visitors' defensive solidity, marshalled by former Palace loanee Trevoh Chalobah, provided a platform for their attacking players to express themselves freely.
As the final whistle blew, the contrasting emotions were clear for all to see. Rosenior celebrated a statement victory that strengthens Chelsea's top-four credentials, while Glasner was left to contemplate how to arrest his side's alarming slide down the table. For Chelsea supporters, this performance suggests brighter days ahead; for Palace fans, concerns are mounting with each passing week.
