In a decisive match on date 23, Chelsea triumphed over Crystal Palace with a dominating scoreline of 3-1 at Selhurst Park. The opening goal came from Estêvão Willian, who found the net with a well-placed shot at the 33rd minute of the first half. João Pedro added a second for the Blues just four minutes into the second half, and shortly after, Enzo Fernández converted a penalty at the 63rd minute to extend Chelsea’s lead to three goals.
Crystal Palace managed to pull one back late in the match, when Chris Richards scored with a header in the 87th minute, but it was not enough to change the outcome.
Estêvão Willian was undoubtedly the star of the match, contributing with one goal, completing 19 successful passes, and firing four shots on target. His performance was pivotal in controlling the midfield for Chelsea.
Another notable player was Andrey Santos, who excelled in the midfield, achieving 72 accurate passes throughout the game.
Crystal Palace’s manager, Oliver Glasner, opted for a 3-4-3 formation, featuring Dean Henderson in goal, with Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, and Jaydee Canvot forming the defense. The midfield trio consisted of Daniel Muñoz, Jefferson Lerma, and Adam Wharton, while Ismaïla Sarr, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Brennan Johnson spearheaded the attack.
On the other hand, Chelsea, guided by Liam Rosenior, set up in a 4-5-1 formation with Robert Sánchez as the goalkeeper, and a defensive line featuring Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile, and Marc Cucurella. The midfield was reinforced by Andrey Santos, Moisés Caicedo, Estêvão Willian, Enzo Fernández, and Pedro Neto, with João Pedro leading the offensive front.
Referee Darren England officiated the match.
Looking ahead, Crystal Palace will face Nottingham Forest in their next clash, while Chelsea will host West Ham United at Stamford Bridge. Following the conclusion of this match, Crystal Palace holds 28 points, placing them 15th in the standings, while Chelsea stands with 37 points, securing the fourth position in the league.
Substitutions for Crystal Palace
64’ 2T – Jaydee Canvot was replaced by Yéremy Pino and Tyrick Mitchell by Borna Sosa.
75’ 2T – Daniel Muñoz was substituted for Chadi Riad and Brennan Johnson for Will Hughes.
84’ 2T – Jean-Philippe Mateta was replaced by Chrisantus Uche.
Bookings for Crystal Palace:
17’ 2T – Jaydee Canvot (Unsporting behavior), 21’ 2T – Adam Wharton (Unsporting behavior), 44’ 2T – Jefferson Lerma (Dissent).
Red Card for Crystal Palace:
27’ 2T – Adam Wharton (Second yellow).
Substitutions for Chelsea
73’ 2T – Estêvão Willian was substituted for Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Moisés Caicedo for Malo Gusto, and Pedro Neto for Wesley Fofana.
80’ 2T – Reece James was replaced by Jorrel Hato.
83’ 2T – João Pedro was substituted for Liam Delap.
Bookings for Chelsea:
19’ 1T – Moisés Caicedo (Unsporting behavior), 44’ 2T – Andrey Santos (Dissent).