Chelsea secured their first Premier League away victory under manager Liam Rosenior with a commanding 3-1 win against a struggling Crystal Palace side at Selhurst Park. The match was defined by the standout performance of 18-year-old Brazilian winger Estevao, who broke the deadlock and provided an assist to help the Blues overcome their injury-hit hosts.
Teenage Talent Takes Centre Stage
The breakthrough came in the 34th minute when Estevao capitalised on a defensive error from Palace defender Jaydee Canvot. The Brazilian teenager outpaced Tyrick Mitchell before unleashing a powerful left-footed strike that gave goalkeeper Dean Henderson no chance. This moment of individual brilliance set the tone for Chelsea's dominance throughout the contest.
Clinical Chelsea Extend Their Advantage
Just four and a half minutes after the restart, Estevao turned provider with a perfectly weighted pass that found Joao Pedro. The forward expertly cut inside Adam Wharton's sliding challenge before firing past Henderson to double Chelsea's advantage. The visitors continued to create opportunities, with Estevao again testing Henderson before another defensive incident involving Canvot led to Chelsea's third goal.
Joao Pedro's close-range effort appeared to strike Canvot's hip before brushing his upper arm, prompting referee Darren England to consult VAR. After a lengthy delay, the decision was accidental handball, resulting in a penalty and yellow card for Canvot but no red card. Enzo Fernandez stepped up confidently to convert from the spot, firing into the bottom right corner just after the hour mark to effectively seal the victory.
Palace's Woes Continue
Crystal Palace's difficult afternoon worsened when Adam Wharton received his second yellow card in the 73rd minute for a sliding challenge, reducing the hosts to ten men. The Eagles had shown brief glimpses of threat earlier in the match, with Ismaila Sarr returning from Senegal's Africa Cup of Nations triumph to create opportunities, but they struggled to convert their chances against a disciplined Chelsea defence.
The home side did manage a late consolation when Chris Richards nodded home in the 88th minute after Robert Sanchez's initial save, but it proved too little too late. This result extends Palace's winless streak to eleven games across all competitions, highlighting their ongoing struggles this season.
Match Analysis and Context
Chelsea entered this fixture hoping to avoid a fourth consecutive Premier League draw against their out-of-form opponents, despite missing key attacker Cole Palmer through injury. The Blues gradually grew into the contest after an early scare when Benoit Badiashile lost possession under pressure, allowing Sarr to play in Jean-Philippe Mateta, whose low shot was well saved by Sanchez.
As the first half progressed, Chelsea began to control proceedings with Fernandez firing over before Moises Caicedo tested Henderson from distance. Palace's January signing Brennan Johnson was denied by a well-timed intervention from Andrey Santos, while Sarr came close to punishing Chelsea for a defensive error but couldn't beat Sanchez from close range.
After Wharton's dismissal, Palace showed brief resistance with Johnson firing just wide two minutes later, but Chelsea's victory never looked in serious doubt. The comprehensive performance provides Rosenior's side with valuable momentum as they continue their push up the Premier League table, while Palace face increasing pressure to reverse their alarming slide in form.
