Chelsea reclaimed the fourth spot in the standings with a superb outing at Selhurst Park on Saturday as Thomas Tuchel’s men recorded a 4-1 win over the Eagles.
A brace from Christian Pulisic was key to the Blues returning to winning ways in domestic action after what had been a major dent to their top-four hopes last time around in the defeat to West Brom.
MATCH PROCEEDINGS
The west Londoners got off to a brilliant start on thier travels away from home with Kai Havertz who was his side’s central striking force in Timo Werner’s absence finding the back of the net with just eight minutes on the clock.
Havertz then turned provider for his attacking partner Pulisic who doubled Chelsea’s advantage merely two minutes later after Havertz had netted the opener to put the visitors in the lead.
The Blues looked all clear to ensure a thumping win at Selhurst Park with Kurt Zouma scoring the third for Tuchel’s side after the Frenchman headed the ball past Vicente Guaita from a Mason Mount free-kick.
Going into the half time break it looked all but evident that Chelsea were going to secure the three points but the question was whether they would return with the same firepower in the closing 45 minutes of the game.
A moment of defensive fraility from Ben Chilwell, however, inside the opening 20 minutes of the second half allowed Palace forward Benteke to meet Jeffery Schlupp’s cross.
Chelsea sought to add to their two-goal advantage and were rewarded once again through Pulisic who slotted home the finish from close range after former Blues man Gary Cahill had diverted the ball from a Reece James effort on goal.
The final whistle secured a well-earned victory for Thomas Tuchel’s side who displace West Ham United into the fourth spot.
