Chelsea earned a convincing 3-1 win against Crystal Palace in the Premier League, boosting their top-four aspirations under new manager Liam Rosenior. Young star Estevao Willian shone with a goal and an assist, while Enzo Fernandez added a penalty. Palace's woes deepened with Adam Wharton's red card and a late consolation from Chris Richards.
The match at Selhurst Park on January 25, 2026, marked Liam Rosenior's second league game in charge of Chelsea, following his appointment from Strasbourg to replace Enzo Maresca. Chelsea, who had won just one of their previous nine top-flight matches, dominated proceedings to climb to fifth in the table, two points off the top four.
Palace started brightly, with Jean-Philippe Mateta missing an early chance after Benoit Badiashile's error, saved by Robert Sanchez. Chelsea settled and took the lead in the 34th minute when Estevao Willian capitalized on Jaydee Canvot's underhit back pass, racing from halfway to finish past Dean Henderson.
Five minutes into the second half, Estevao combined with Joao Pedro for the second goal, as Pedro cut inside Adam Wharton to score. Palace's situation worsened when VAR awarded a penalty for Canvot's handball; Enzo Fernandez converted in the 64th minute. Wharton was then sent off for a second yellow after fouling Moises Caicedo.
Despite being down to ten men, Palace pulled one back in the 88th minute through Chris Richards, who nodded in after Sanchez saved Jefferson Lerma's header on his 100th appearance. Chelsea managed the closing stages comfortably.
Rosenior praised his side's tactical adaptation: "I changed the shape and the performance pleased me a lot. Ninety-five per cent of the pressing and positioning was absolutely perfect." He cautioned against complacency ahead of their Champions League clash with Napoli, where they hold the eighth and final automatic qualification spot.
Palace, reeling from captain Marc Guehi's departure to Manchester City and manager Oliver Glasner's announced exit at season's end, extended their winless run to seven league games and 17 against Chelsea. Glasner emphasized unity: "What characterises Crystal Palace and our fans is that we always stick together."
Cole Palmer missed out due to a thigh injury but is expected back for midweek European action.
