Chelsea earned a 3-1 win over 10-player Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, with Estevao, Joao Pedro and Enzo Fernandez scoring before Chris Richards pulled one back late on. The result continued Palace’s
11-match streak without a victory and highlighted Chelsea’s attacking edge and greater control across most of the Premier League contest.
Palace’s problems deepened when Adam Wharton collected a second yellow card for a late challenge on Moises Caicedo, leaving the hosts to finish with 10 players. Before that dismissal, Crystal Palace had already conceded a penalty and three goals, marking the first time all three setbacks happened together for the club in a Premier League match.
Chelsea created the better early chances, though Robert Sanchez needed to deny Jean-Philippe Mateta in a one-on-one. Fernandez and Caicedo both went close before the visitors finally punished Palace’s mistake. Jaydee Canvot under-hit a backpass on 34 minutes, allowing Estevao to intercept and calmly drive a low finish past Dean Henderson.
The second half started with more pressure from Chelsea, and Estevao again had a decisive role. After 50 minutes, Estevao clipped a smart ball in behind the defence for Joao Pedro. Joao Pedro sprinted through, cut inside Wharton, then lashed a powerful strike high beyond Henderson to give Chelsea a 2-0 advantage.
Chelsea’s third goal arrived from the spot after a lengthy VAR check. Referee Darren England viewed the pitch-side monitor and ruled that Canvot handled inside the box. Fernandez stepped up and side-footed a composed penalty into the net, effectively settling the match before Crystal Palace’s late rally and dismissal.
Wharton’s red card came in the second half when a late lunge on Caicedo brought a second booking. It was Wharton’s first career sending-off in 125 senior matches, with 74 appearances for Crystal Palace and 51 for Blackburn Rovers. The dismissal summed up a difficult afternoon for both Wharton and Palace.
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace Premier League data debrief and Brazilian impact
Estevao delivered a standout performance, scoring and assisting in the same Premier League game for the first time. At 18 years and 276 days, Estevao is the youngest player to achieve that since Evan Ferguson, who managed the feat aged 18 years and 76 days for Brighton against Everton in January 2023.
Estevao is also the youngest Chelsea player to score and assist in one Premier League match since Neil Shipperley. Shipperley did so aged 18 years and 164 days versus Wimbledon in April 1993. Estevao’s assist went to Brazilian teammate Joao Pedro, whose attacking numbers for Chelsea since arriving have been highly productive.
Joao Pedro has scored 12 goals and recorded 16 goal involvements in all competitions for Chelsea since debuting in July 2025, more than any teammate in that period. For Crystal Palace, a strong late header from Richards finally beat Sanchez after the goalkeeper had earlier produced a superb save from Jefferson Lerma, but the goal changed little.
A big three points! #CFC | #CRYCHE pic.twitter.com/YxSRRZYToeChelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 25, 2026
The 3-1 scoreline reflected Chelsea’s sharper finishing, led by Estevao and Joao Pedro, and highlighted Crystal Palace’s discipline and defensive issues. With a penalty conceded, a red card shown and three goals allowed, Palace reached an unwanted first in their Premier League history, while Chelsea left Selhurst Park with control and confidence.
