Chelsea beat Crystal Palace 3-1 to return to Premier League top four | OneFootball

Estevao inspires Chelsea 3-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park

Chelsea returned to the Premier League’s top four with a composed and increasingly authoritative 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace, a result shaped by youthful incision, midfield control and a decisive spell either side of half time. Estevao Willian, thrust into the spotlight after Cole Palmer’s injury, did not merely fill a vacancy, he seized the moment, scoring once and creating another in a performance that carried Chelsea through a potentially awkward London away day.

Selhurst Park can be an unforgiving venue, particularly for a side under scrutiny, yet Chelsea handled the atmosphere with growing maturity. Their tempo, movement and ability to punish Palace errors reflected a team finding clarity under new leadership, with Liam Rosenior making a promising early impact.

Estevao steps up after Palmer injury

The absence of Palmer could have dulled Chelsea’s attacking edge, but Estevao offered a reminder of why the club invested so heavily in his potential. The 18 year old played with fearlessness and purpose, stretching Palace’s back line and repeatedly asking questions of Tyrick Mitchell.

His opening goal in the 34th minute stemmed from Palace’s own undoing. A poor back pass from Jaydee Canvot was seized upon instantly. Estevao’s acceleration took him clear and his finish, driven low past Dean Henderson, carried both conviction and composure. It was the sort of moment that shifts momentum, silencing a home crowd that had sensed opportunity earlier.

Before that breakthrough, Palace had threatened to set the tone. Jean Philippe Mateta found himself one on one with Robert Sanchez, only to fire straight at the Chelsea goalkeeper. It proved a costly missed chance in a game where margins mattered.

Midfield control and turning points

Chelsea’s midfield axis of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo gradually imposed order. Their ability to recycle possession and step forward with purpose kept Palace pinned back for long periods. Ismaila Sarr, returning after Africa Cup of Nations success with Senegal, provided flashes of threat for the hosts, but Chelsea’s structure limited sustained pressure.

After the break, Estevao again provided the spark. His clipped pass released Joao Pedro, who showed strength and awareness to turn Adam Wharton before finishing through Henderson to make it 2-0. The goal underlined Chelsea’s growing cohesion in the final third, with movement and timing finally clicking.

Moments later came the pivotal incident. Joao Pedro’s goalbound effort struck Canvot’s hand in the area. After a lengthy VAR review, a penalty was awarded. Fernandez stepped forward and converted with assurance, effectively settling the contest.

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Palace frustration and Chelsea momentum

For Palace, the afternoon unravelled further with Wharton’s dismissal. Already booked for pulling back Caicedo, he was late into another challenge and received a second yellow card within minutes. It left Palace facing a long final quarter with ten men and a mountain to climb.

Chris Richards did pull a goal back late on, heading in from close range in the 88th minute, but it served only as a footnote rather than a genuine rallying cry. Palace slipped from 13th to 15th, still eight points clear of the relegation zone but with familiar concerns about discipline and game management resurfacing.

For Chelsea, the wider significance was clear. Back to back Premier League wins for the first time since November represent tangible progress. Rosenior’s early imprint is visible in the team’s sharper pressing, clearer attacking patterns and renewed confidence.

The victory also carried immediate table implications. Chelsea leapfrogged Liverpool to reclaim a top four place, even if they have played a game more than Manchester United, who travel to Arsenal later. It is a reminder that the margins at this stage of the season are fine and that momentum, once gathered, can quickly reshape the landscape.

At Selhurst Park, Chelsea did more than collect three points. They delivered a performance of control, resilience and emerging identity. Estevao’s star turn may dominate the headlines, but it was the collective assurance that hinted at a team moving in the right direction.