If this is the blueprint for Chelsea’s future under Liam Rosenior, the doubters may need to find new complaints. On his first away assignment as head coach, Rosenior watched his side deliver a commanding performance to dismantle Crystal Palace 3-1, ending a five-match Premier League winless run on the road and leaping into fifth place.
Two teenagers stole the show at Selhurst Park – one in blue, one in red and blue – but only one left smiling. Estêvão Willian, the 18-year-old Brazilian sensation, announced himself with a goal and an assist, while Palace’s 19-year-old summer signing Jaydee Canvot endured a nightmare afternoon that encapsulated his side’s woes.
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It started with a catastrophic back-pass from Canvot that gifted Estêvão the simplest of finishes in the 28th minute. Tyrick Mitchell’s desperate chase was in vain as the winger coolly slotted past Dean Henderson. Ten minutes after the restart, Estêvão turned provider, exchanging passes with João Pedro before the striker sat Adam Wharton on the turf and rifled home Chelsea’s second.
The misery deepened when João Pedro’s shot struck Canvot’s arm inside the area. Referee Darren England pointed to the spot; VAR confirmed no red card for the accidental handball, but Enzo Fernández showed no mercy, hammering the penalty down the middle to make it 3-0.
Wharton’s afternoon ended prematurely when he collected two yellow cards in six chaotic minutes, the second for a lunging challenge on Moisés Caicedo. Palace grabbed a late consolation through Chris Richards, who bundled home from close range, but the damage was long done.
For Chelsea, the victory extends their unbeaten start under Rosenior, who replaced Enzo Maresca at the beginning of the month. Estêvão earned a standing ovation when substituted with 16 minutes remaining, while the travelling fans chanted their new manager’s name at full-time.
“I hope they’re starting to accept me,” Rosenior said afterwards. “It’s two-way – I have to earn it. But I’m very happy to be here and I hope over time they’ll see something good is happening.”
The picture is far bleaker for Crystal Palace. Oliver Glasner’s side have now gone 11 games without a win in all competitions and have failed to beat Chelsea in their last 17 Premier League meetings. With tough trips to Nottingham Forest and Brighton looming, Palace sit just eight points above the relegation zone.
Glasner, whose departure at the end of the season has already been confirmed, remains defiant. “We’re in transition and there will be tough moments,” he said. “But Crystal Palace and our supporters always stick together. Now is the time to support everyone.”
Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has publicly expressed his desire for a new challenge, was applauded on his late substitution despite missing an early chance gifted by Benoît Badiashile’s error. The striker’s frustration mirrored that of the home crowd as Palace’s difficult season shows little sign of turning.
With Cole Palmer absent through a minor thigh injury but expected back for Wednesday’s Champions League clash at Napoli, Chelsea fans will feel their squad has more than enough firepower to cope. On this evidence, the Rosenior era is off to a flying start – and Estêvão’s sparkle could yet light the way forward.