Chelsea qualified for the Champions League with a 3-1 victory over struggling Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Estevao’s first goal on a breakaway gave Liam Rosenior’s side a boost, before Joao Pedro added a second goal early in the second half. Enzo Fernandes scored three goals from the spot after a VAR review discovered an accidental handball by Jaydee Cambot.
Chris Richards pulled one back late in the game to deny Robert Sanchez a clean sheet, but Adam Wharton’s red card ended any hopes of a comeback. While Palace’s poor form continued, Chelsea’s superior incision made the difference.
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Estevao gives Chelsea the lead
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Joao Pedro doubled Chelsea’s lead early in the second half.
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Enzo Fernandes converted the penalty to give Chelsea a 3-0 lead.
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Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton shown red card
How did Chelsea win at Palace?
Oliver Glasner announced he would be leaving the club at the end of the season, returning to Selhurst for the first time since revealing he felt “abandoned” by the release of captain Marc Guehi on the eve of the previous game, but Palace have indeed made a strong start.
Jean-Philippe Mateta, another of Palace’s intriguers at the other end, should have scored when Ismaila Sarr snatched a goal from Benoît Badiashile, but Sanchez made a good save with his feet. Cambot was not so lucky on the other end and his mistakes were punished by Estevao.
The 18-year-old Brazilian showed why he’s so excited as he thwarted Tyrick Mitchell’s challenge before beating Dean Henderson after latching onto a wayward pass from Cambot. It was Estevao’s first goal since his goal against Barcelona.
Pedro cut inside and fired a second shot past Henderson, but Cambot’s hand was adjudged to have stopped the player’s header and there was no real chance of turning it back. Fernandes took over spot-kick duties in Cole Palmer’s absence.
Wharton’s red card for a foolish challenge added to Palace’s woes and despite Richards’ late header, Glasner’s side are now 11 games without a win and eight points clear of the relegation zone. However, Chelsea, led by Rosenior, are looking up.
Rosenior: Estevao is outstanding
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior said of Estevao in a press conference:
“It says what we already know: he is a player with special ability, special talent. He has been ill, but every time he has been on the pitch with me so far, he has been outstanding.
“But when you look at that goal, I think what I’m really happy about is that all 11 got back behind the ball. That’s why he got the space.”
“I don’t want to talk too much about individuals. I thought it was a first-team performance away. Joao Pedro’s pressing, Pedro Neto and Estevao up front, the two midfield players and the defenders had to defend really well against Mateta’s presence.”
“Estevao is very happy with him, but also very happy with the whole team.
“Today was a big test. We changed the shape. It’s hard to explain, but it’s like a semi-four, semi-five behind Andrei Santos.”
“From a tactical point of view, I’m very happy with their performance over the two days, because almost 95 percent of their coverage and 95 percent of their positioning were perfect.
“I think they’re working hard and believe in what they’re doing, but it’s one game. We have to be consistent every game we play.”
