Crystal Palace 1-3 Chelsea: Estêvão Shines as Blues Secure Top Four Spot
Chelsea climbed back into the Premier League top four this afternoon with a convincing 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. In a match defined by South American flair and clinical finishing, Liam Rosenior’s side capitalised on Palace’s defensive errors to end their run of five away games without a win.
First Half: Estêvão Punishes Palace
The match began with a scare for the Blues when Benoît Badiashile was caught in possession, but Robert Sánchez produced a vital one-on-one save against Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The breakthrough came in the 34th minute. Teenage sensation Estêvão pounced on a weak back-pass from Jaydee Canvot, raced into the box, and rifled a powerful left-footed strike past Dean Henderson to give Chelsea a deserved lead at the interval.
Second Half: Clinical Blues and a Late Consolation
Chelsea wasted no time doubling their advantage after the restart. In the 50th minute, Estêvão turned provider, clipping a clever ball to João Pedro, who cut inside and fired home his eighth league goal of the campaign.
The game was effectively ended as a contest in the 64th minute when a VAR review awarded Chelsea a penalty for handball. Enzo Fernández stepped up and coolly converted from the spot. Things went from bad to worse for the hosts shortly after when Adam Wharton was sent off for a second yellow card.
Despite being down to ten men, Palace grabbed a consolation goal in the 88th minute when Chris Richards headed home from close range after a scramble in the box, but it was too little, too late for the Eagles.
The Stats That Matter
Final Score: Crystal Palace 1 – 3 Chelsea
Possession: Palace 43% – 57% Chelsea
Man of the Match: Estêvão (1 Goal, 1 Assist)
Table Update: Chelsea move into 4th place with 37 points.
What’s Next?
The Blues shift their focus to European competition. We travel to Italy this Wednesday night for a massive Champions League clash against Napoli at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
