The match took place amidst speculation surrounding Cole Palmer's future. According to English media, Manchester United targeted the English attacking midfielder as a primary candidate to take over Bruno Fernandes's playmaking role, should the Portuguese player depart Old Trafford.

In fact, Palmer was absent against Crystal Palace due to a thigh injury. Meanwhile, Chelsea extended their winning streak to three matches across all competitions under new head coach Liam Rosenior. However, securing the three points was not easy for the former champions.

Estevao scored with a diagonal shot to open the scoring in Chelsea's 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace in round 23 of the Premier League at Selhurst Park, London, England on 25/1/2026. *Reuters*

Playing at their home ground, Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace started proactively and quickly created dangerous opportunities. Most notably were attempts from Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta, who broke through on goal but failed to beat goalkeeper Roberto Sanchez.

Chelsea then found their efficiency to decide the match. In the 34th minute, following an careless back-pass from Jaydee Canvot, Estevao sprinted past the home team's defense, surged into the penalty area, and fired a diagonal left-footed shot past goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

The goal eased pressure on Chelsea and marked a special moment for Estevao. This was the 18-year-old's first goal as a Premier League starter, bringing his total for Chelsea to 6 goals. Estevao thus equaled the record for the best scoring tally by an under-18 player for Chelsea in the Premier League era, matching Callum Hudson-Odoi and Marc Guiu.

In the second half, the young Brazilian talent continued to shine. In the 50th minute, he delivered a delicate one-touch lob pass for his compatriot Joao Pedro, who broke free down the right wing. Pedro feigned a move to bypass Adam Wharton, cut into the penalty area, and decisively finished with his left foot, doubling Chelsea's lead. Estevao became the second youngest "Blues" player to both score and assist in a Premier League match, and the youngest to do so since Neil Shipperley (18 years and 164 days old) against Wimbledon in April 1993.

Fernandez celebrates the goal that made it 3-0. *Chelsea FC*

By the 63rd minute, Chelsea had all but ended the home team's hopes. Joao Pedro's close-range shot struck the arm of center-back Jaydee Canvot inside the penalty area, resulting in a penalty. From the spot, Enzo Fernandez struck a low shot into the right corner as the Crystal Palace goalkeeper stood rooted, extending the lead to 3-0.

In the 73rd minute, Crystal Palace were reduced to ten men after Adam Wharton committed a dangerous tackle on Moises Caicedo near the Chelsea penalty area, earning his second yellow card. This marked the first time Crystal Palace had conceded a penalty, received a red card, and allowed three goals in a single Premier League match.

Referee Darren England shows a red card to Adam Wharton. *AFP*

Chris Richards' late goal in the 88th minute was not enough to salvage even one point for Crystal Palace. The 1-3 defeat further plunged them into crisis. After the club sold captain and center-back Marc Guehi to Manchester City, head coach Oliver Glasner announced he would depart at the end of the season. Crystal Palace also face the risk of losing more key players, with Adam Wharton drawing interest from Manchester United and Jean-Philippe Mateta attracting attention from Aston Villa and Juventus.

Conversely, the victory propelled Chelsea to fourth place with 37 points, one point ahead of Liverpool, who surprisingly lost 2-3 to Bournemouth the day before. In the next round, Liam Rosenior's side will return home to host West Ham.

Hong Duy