- Goal: Estêvão, 35’, Chelsea
- Goal: João Pedro, 51’, Chelsea
- Goal: Enzo Fernández, 64’ (pen), Chelsea
- Goal: Chris Richards, 89’, Crystal Palace
Chelsea strengthened their grip on the Premier League top four with a commanding 3-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, led by a record-breaking display from Estêvão, who both scored and assisted in a one-sided London derby.
The visitors survived an early scare in the 9th minute when Robert Sánchez produced a crucial save with his legs to deny Jean-Philippe Mateta after a defensive error — a moment that could have changed the complexion of the match.
Chelsea’s opener arrived in the 35th minute, when Estêvão pounced on a loose back-pass from Canvot, surged from the halfway line and smashed a left-footed finish past Henderson. The strike saw the Brazilian break a 33-year Chelsea club record, becoming the youngest player to score in a Premier League away match for the club.
Chelsea struck again shortly after the restart. In the 51st minute, João Pedro shifted inside Wharton and drove a low finish into the corner after a clever assist from Estêvão, doubling the advantage.
The contest was effectively settled in the 64th minute when Enzo Fernández calmly converted from the spot following Jaydee Canvot’s handball, spotted after a VAR review.
Palace’s problems deepened in the 74th minute when Adam Wharton received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Moisés Caicedo. Moments later, chairman Steve Parish was seen leaving his seat in the main stand as frustration mounted around Selhurst Park.
Despite being reduced to ten men, Palace pulled one back in the 89th minute through Chris Richards, who headed home from a corner to deny Chelsea a clean sheet.
Chelsea finished with 58% possession and 11 shots, 7 of them on target, underlining their attacking efficiency. Estêvão ended the afternoon with one goal and one assist, confirming his status as the standout performer.
For Palace, the defeat left them 15th in the table, only three points clear of the relegation zone, extending their winless run to 11 matches in all competitions. Chelsea, meanwhile, recorded a fourth victory in five league games and moved firmly into the Champions League places as their momentum continues to build.
