Chelsea crush Crystal Palace as Teen star Estêvão shines 

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Teenage sensation Estêvão Willian delivered a standout performance to inspire Chelsea to a 3-1 Premier League win at Selhurst Park, extending the Blues’ positive momentum under manager Liam Rosenior and maintaining their push for a top-four finish.

The 18-year-old Brazilian forward opened the scoring in the 34th minute with a moment of individual brilliance.

Collecting possession inside the box, Estêvão wove through defenders before unleashing a composed, low finish into the middle of the net past Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

ESPN described the goal as a “superb strike” that showcased his composure and technical quality, highlighting why Chelsea invested heavily in the Palmeiras prodigy.

Chelsea doubled their lead shortly after halftime. In the 50th minute, Joao Pedro produced an “amazing individual effort,” cutting inside and firing a low shot into the net from inside the penalty area, leaving Henderson helpless.

The Brazilian forward’s clinical finish came amid Chelsea’s growing control, as they demonstrated patient build-up play and short passing sequences to stretch the home defense.

The game was effectively sealed in the 64th minute when Enzo Fernandez converted a penalty following a VAR-reviewed handball decision.

The Argentine midfielder sent the ball low into the right corner, giving Henderson no chance and making it 3-0.

Crystal Palace pulled one back in the 88th minute through defender Chris Richards, who powered a header home from close range after a set-piece scramble, but it proved a consolation as Chelsea held firm through nine minutes of stoppage time.

Rosenior’s side showed resilience despite late pressure, with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez producing several key saves, including a brilliant stop from Maxence Lacroix’s drive and a late header from Ismaila Sarr, to preserve the lead.

The result strengthens Chelsea’s position in the upper half of the table, rewarding their tactical discipline and attacking flair in a match that saw them dominate key moments.