Chelsea maintained their dominance over Crystal Palace with a 3-1 Premier League victory at Selhurst Park on Sunday, marking their 18th consecutive head-to-head unbeaten match against the Eagles.
Chelsea took the lead in the 34th minute when Estêvão capitalised on a wayward pass from Jaydee Canvot, raced past Tyrick Mitchell, and drilled the ball past Dean Henderson.
Despite Palace’s efforts to respond, Fernández’s header in his own box almost allowed Estêvão another chance, which he failed to convert.
Chelsea extended their lead early in the second half.
Within five minutes of the restart, Estêvão assisted João Pedro, who cut inside Adam Wharton and slotted the ball through Henderson’s legs.
Fernández then converted a penalty after Canvot handled Pedro’s shot, giving the visitors a 3-0 advantage.
Palace’s problems worsened when Adam Wharton received two yellow cards in five minutes for fouls on Moisés Caicedo, ruling him out of their next match against Nottingham Forest.
A late Jefferson Lerma header was denied by Sánchez in the 88th minute, but Chris Richards tapped in a consolation goal, giving the home fans something to celebrate.
Chelsea held on through nine minutes of stoppage time to secure the win.
The victory moves Chelsea up to fourth in the Premier League under Liam Rosenior, who became the first English manager since Steven Gerrard in 2021 to win his first two top-flight matches in charge.
The result extends Crystal Palace’s winless run to 11 consecutive competitive games
