Chelsea Player Ratings vs Crystal Palace: Dazzling Estevao Willian & Joao Pedro Clip the Eagles’ Wings as Top Four Dream Takes Shape

Dazzling Estevao Willian and Joao Pedro Shine as Chelsea Leapfrog Liverpool in the Top Four Race

Chelsea’s youthful revolution produced another eye-catching chapter on Sunday afternoon as the Blues swept aside Crystal Palace with a 3-1 victory at Selhurst Park. On a ground that has so often been awkward for visiting sides, Chelsea played with confidence, control and, at key moments, real flair. The stars of the show were unmistakably Brazilian, with Estevao Willian and Joao Pedro delivering the kind of performances that make supporters sit up a little straighter in their seats.

This was more than just three points. It was a statement. With Liverpool unexpectedly dropping ground in the race for Champions League qualification, Chelsea seized their moment, climbing above the Reds and strengthening their grip on a top-four place. For Liam Rosenior, still early in his reign, it was another encouraging sign that his ideas are beginning to take root.

Crystal Palace, by contrast, endured a frustrating afternoon that unravelled further when Adam Wharton was sent off in the second half. A late consolation goal from Chris Richards barely softened the blow as the Eagles struggled to contain Chelsea’s pace, movement and technical quality.

Fast Start and Early Warning Signs for Chelsea

The match did not begin with Chelsea dominance. In fact, Palace nearly stunned the visitors inside the opening ten minutes. Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr pressed aggressively, forcing a mistake from Benoit Badiashile just outside the Chelsea box. Mateta pounced, driving forward with purpose before unleashing a shot that required a sharp reaction from Robert Sanchez.

The Chelsea goalkeeper stood tall, blocking the effort and calming any early nerves. That moment proved important, not just on the scoreboard but psychologically. Chelsea survived the early scare, settled into their rhythm and gradually began to impose themselves on the game.

From that point on, the match began to tilt in Chelsea’s favour, with Estevao Willian increasingly influential on the right flank.

Estevao Willian Breaks the Deadlock in Style

The breakthrough arrived just after the half-hour mark, and it was worth the wait. Palace’s undoing came from a sloppy back pass, but the finish was pure quality. Estevao read the danger instantly, burst onto the loose ball and drove straight at goal.

Tyrick Mitchell tried desperately to recover, but Estevao shrugged him off with ease. For a split second, it looked as though the ball might have run too far, yet the Brazilian showed remarkable composure. He steadied himself and then smashed a fierce effort past Dean Henderson, leaving the Palace goalkeeper with no chance.

It was a goal full of confidence and conviction — the kind that sums up a player brimming with belief. For Chelsea fans, it was another glimpse of why the club has invested so heavily in young talent.

Second-Half Surge: Joao Pedro Doubles the Advantage

If Palace hoped to regroup at half-time, those plans were shredded within minutes of the restart. Chelsea came out sharp, aggressive and purposeful, and once again Estevao was at the heart of it.

The Brazilian floated a perfectly weighted ball over the top for Joao Pedro, who timed his run beautifully. Cutting inside the penalty area, Pedro showed great balance to shift the ball away from Wharton before blasting a powerful finish beyond Henderson.

At 2-0, Chelsea were firmly in control. Palace looked stunned, struggling to cope with Chelsea’s movement between the lines and the speed of their transitions.

Estevao nearly made it three soon after, curling a magnificent left-footed effort towards the top corner that forced Henderson into a full-stretch save. It felt inevitable that another goal was coming.

Penalty Seals It as Palace’s Day Gets Worse

Chelsea’s third goal arrived from the penalty spot, following sustained pressure. Joao Pedro’s shot was blocked by the outstretched arm of Jaydee Canvot, and after a brief pause, the referee pointed to the spot.

Enzo Fernandez stepped up and dispatched the penalty with authority, firing low and true to effectively end the contest. At 3-0, Selhurst Park fell quiet, and the sense of inevitability was hard to escape.

To compound Palace’s misery, Adam Wharton was shown a second yellow card after catching Moises Caicedo late. Reduced to ten men, Palace’s hopes of a comeback evaporated entirely.

Chris Richards did manage to scramble a late goal back, but it was little more than a footnote on a day dominated by Chelsea.

Chelsea Player Ratings vs Crystal Palace

Goalkeeper & Defence

FBL-ENG-PR-CRYSTAL PALACE-CHELSEA

Robert Sanchez (7/10)
Alert when needed, particularly early on with a crucial save from Mateta. Had little to do after Chelsea took control and was understandably frustrated to see his clean sheet disappear late on.

Reece James (7/10)
Another composed performance from the captain. Defensively solid and always a threat going forward with well-timed overlapping runs. His leadership was evident throughout.

Trevoh Chalobah (8/10)
Outstanding against Mateta. Strong in the tackle, calm on the ball and directly involved in the build-up to Chelsea’s second goal with an excellent defensive intervention.

Benoit Badiashile (5/10)
A mixed afternoon. His early mistake could have been costly, but he grew into the game and steadied himself after being spared by Sanchez.

Marc Cucurella (6/10)
Worked hard but struggled to find consistent chemistry with Joao Pedro down the left. Had a decent chance in the second half but failed to make it count.

Midfield Control and Energy

FBL-ENG-PR-CRYSTAL PALACE-CHELSEA

Moises Caicedo (6/10)
Booked early and had to tread carefully for much of the match. Still offered energy and bite in midfield but never quite hit top gear.

Andrey Santos (7/10)
A quietly effective display. Made an important clearance in the first half, competed well in midfield battles and used the ball intelligently.

Attack: Brazilian Brilliance on Display

Crystal Palace v Chelsea – Premier League

Estevao Willian (8/10)
The standout performer. Scored a brilliant opening goal, created Chelsea’s second and constantly troubled Palace with his pace and creativity. A joy to watch.

Enzo Fernandez (7/10)
Missed a decent chance from open play but showed calm authority from the penalty spot. His all-round contribution helped Chelsea control the tempo.

Pedro Neto (5/10)
Worked tirelessly but struggled to make a decisive impact. Palace managed to limit his influence for much of the game.

Joao Pedro (8/10)
Quiet before the break but transformed the game after half-time. Took his goal superbly and won the penalty that sealed the result.

Subs and the Manager’s Influence

FBL-ENG-PR-CRYSTAL PALACE-CHELSEA

Malo Gusto (N/A)
Introduced with the game already wrapped up.

Jamie Gittens (N/A)
Another late cameo with limited opportunity to shine.

Liam Rosenior (7/10)
Once again, Rosenior got his tactics spot on. Missing Cole Palmer, Chelsea still looked fluid and dangerous. Four wins from five since his appointment tells its own story.

Chelsea’s Momentum Grows in the Top Four Race

This win was not just about individual brilliance; it was about control, maturity and belief. Chelsea looked like a team that understands what is required at this stage of the season. With young players stepping up and confidence growing, the Blues are beginning to resemble genuine top-four contenders.

For Crystal Palace, the defeat raises questions, particularly about discipline and squad depth. For Chelsea, it was a day to savour — one where dazzling Brazilians clipped the Eagles’ wings and sent a clear message to their rivals.

If this momentum continues, Stamford Bridge may soon be dreaming not just of Champions League qualification, but of something even bigger.