Chelsea moved up to fourth in the Premier League table as goals from Estevao Willian, Joao Pedro and Enzo Fernandez secured an excellent win against Crystal Palace in south London
There had been chances at both ends before Estevao broke the deadlock shortly after the half-hour with a fine individual effort. Palace’s Jaydee Canvot inadvertently set our talented attacker away and though the Brazilian still had plenty to do, he made it look simple.
We dominated thereafter and ensured the points would be heading north of the river with two more goals before the midway point of the second half. Joao Pedro got the first after exchanging passes with Estevao and finishing confidently, before the Brazilian’s goalbound shot hit Canvot’s hand. Fernandez’s spot-kick was emphatic.
Robert Sanchez returned in goal and with Filip Jorgensen injured, Teddy Sharman-Lowe was our substitute keeper.
Benoit Badiashile was the only player who started Wednesday’s win over Pafos in defence to retain his place, with Reece James dropping to right-back in place of Malo Gusto. Trevoh Chalobah and Marc Cucurella completed the back four.
Andrey Santos came into midfield, alongside Moises Caicedo, and there were starts for Estevao and Joao Pedro, who joined Pedro Neto and Fernandez in our front four.
Palace were boosted by the return of Daniel Munoz and Ismaila Sarr after injury and AFCON exploits respectively.
In the opening quarter-of-an-hour – as the contest got off to a lively start – both sides had one very good chance to break the deadlock.
On seven minutes, Badiashile lost possession and Jean-Philippe Mateta raced clear only to be denied by the outstretched right leg of Sanchez. It proved a pivotal save.
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