Chelsea produced a controlled away performance to beat Crystal Palace 3-1, a win that moves them up to fourth in the Premier League and extends Liam Rosenior’s strong start with four victories from five matches in charge.

The game could have swung early after Jean-Philippe Mateta broke in, only for Robert Sánchez to make a huge save to deny him. That intervention proved decisive as Chelsea gradually took control and punished a rare defensive slip from Palace’s teenager Jaydee Canvot. Estêvão seized on the backpass, used a blistering turn to leave Tyrick Mitchell and finished beyond Dean Henderson to open the scoring.

Estêvão was influential again after the break, clipping a pass behind the Palace defence for João Pedro to cut inside Adam Wharton and drive his finish through Henderson. The third came from the spot after Reece James’ cross was only partially kept out by Henderson and VAR ruled a handball by Canvot. With Cole Palmer absent through injury, Enzo Fernández stepped up and converted the penalty.

Adam Wharton was later sent off for a second bookable offence after fouling Moisés Caicedo, leaving Palace to chase the game with ten men. Oliver Glasner’s side did pull a late consolation when Chris Richards headed home, but it was no more than a finish to a match Chelsea had settled.

Key ratings (out of 10):
GK: Robert Sánchez 8.3 — his early save set the tone. RB: Reece James 7.1 — returned to right back and provided quality delivery while looking unscathed ahead of Wednesday’s pivotal trip to Naples. RM: Estêvão 8.3 — a game-changing display, creating and finishing chances. ST: João Pedro 8.3 — caused constant problems for Palace. CB: Benoît Badiashile 7.8 and Trevoh Chalobah 7.2 performed solidly at the back. CM: Andrey Santos 7.5 offered tidy protection in midfield.

Substitutes included Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto, Jamie Gittens, Jorrel Hato and Liam Delap. Teddy Sharman-Lowe, Josh Acheampong, Alejandro Garnacho and Marc Guiu were unused.

Cole Palmer was left out of Chelsea’s squad for the trip to Crystal Palace after a thigh problem that has continued to trouble him this month.

The forward did not make the side that secured a scratchy Champions League win over Pafos in midweek. Liam Rosenior downplayed that omission as nothing more than precautionary to combat a “minor” issue, and earlier suggested Palmer had “a really good chance” of playing at Selhurst Park. That did not materialise.

Starting XI: Robert Sánchez; Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Benoît Badiashile, Marc Cucurella; Andrey Santos, Moisés Caicedo; Estêvão, Enzo Fernández, Pedro Neto; João Pedro.

Substitutes: Teddy Sharman-Lowe (GK), Josh Acheampong, Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto, Jorrel Hato, Alejandro Garnacho, Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap, Marc Guiu.

Rosenior explained that Palmer has been carrying the same problem since last weekend, saying the player suffered from “a little bit of tightness in his thigh” during the win over Brentford. Palmer played the full 90 minutes against the Bees and converted a late penalty, celebrating with a modest gesture.

Speculation about Palmer’s mood was addressed by Rosenior, who described him as “very, very happy to be here” and sought to dismiss rumours of homesickness. The coach added context on the player’s recent performances: “There was frustration in the Brentford game—not because he isn’t happy here, but because he couldn’t perform at the level he wants to for the club,” and confirmed that Palmer has been “in pain” while playing.

Palmer was visible in training during the build-up to the Palace match, which suggests the problem is not serious enough to rule him out long term. With a Champions League tie against Napoli scheduled for next Wednesday, there is an expectation within the club that he will be available for that crucial fixture, per BBC Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella.

Manchester City’s Saturday victory set up a pivotal Sunday in the Premier League. Arsenal know they must beat Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium to re-establish a seven-point advantage at the top. That match carries weight after Manchester United’s collective performance in last week’s derby and Bruno Fernandes’s praised role in a 2-0 win.

There is also a London derby when Crystal Palace host Chelsea, and Brentford welcome Nottingham Forest. Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea ended a run without a league win with a 2–0 victory over Brentford at Stamford Bridge, bringing his tally to three wins from four in charge. That run would be impressive for any Chelsea manager, but recent form in midweek suggests the Blues could struggle at Selhurst Park.

Crystal Palace remain in a tailspin. Steve Parish did not give into Oliver Glasner’s apparent wish to get the boot last weekend, so Glasner will occupy the home dugout as Palace seek their first league win since Dec. 7.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 1–1 Chelsea

Brentford’s season under Keith Andrews has exceeded early expectations. After a defeat at the City Ground in Gameweek 1, Andrews has guided the Bees to a campaign that looks set to better their best under Thomas Frank, when they finished ninth in 2022–23. Brentford sit seventh and have accumulated 24 points from 11 games at the Gtech, the fourth-best home record in the division. Nottingham Forest suffered an away Europa League defeat in Braga on Thursday, and that European slog may influence Sunday’s clash.

Prediction: Brentford 3–1 Nottingham Forest

The reverse fixture between Newcastle United and Aston Villa earlier in the season was uneventful, but Sunday’s meeting on Tyneside has potential. Aston Villa’s home loss to Everton increased pressure within the camp; Unai Emery’s post-match interview depicted a manager “on the brink and not one who’s distinctly overachieved.” Villa did win at Fenerbahçe on Thursday, while Newcastle cruised past PSV Eindhoven. The Magpies are inconsistent away but difficult to break down at home.

Prediction: Newcastle 3–2 Aston Villa