Chelsea 3-0 Crystal Palace, Premier League: Post-match reaction, ratings

Absolute domination from Chelsea from the first minute to the last, even if we had to wait half an hour for the first goal to come. And while that may have been from a set piece — a picture perfect Alonso free kick — Chelsea’s superiority was clear, and not just because of the possession numbers.

Christian Pulisic forced home a second goal just before half-time after one of the many countless opportunities created from the right flank. Palace had barely had a sniff.

An initial burst of pressure from the visitors at the second half was quickly dealt with, then Chelsea made sure of the points in the most emotionally pleasing way possible, with Trevoh Chalobah scoring a wonderful long-range strike to send Stamford Bridge into raptures.

Chelsea could’ve had more. Three will do just fine.

Carefree.

• Five changes from midweek with Christensen coming in for Zouma, Azpilicueta in for Hudson-Odoi, Jorginho in for Kanté (who missed out due to a knock), and Pulisic & Mount on either side of Werner instead of Havertz & Ziyech
• 5 goals in 5 games for Pulisic against Palace
• Alonso’s 22nd Premier League goal, more than any other “defender” during that time
• What a week for Trevoh Chalobah!
• Chelsea held Palace to zero shots (on- or off-target) in the first-half
• Chelsea unbeaten in 41 straight at home when leading at half time (34 wins, 7 draws)
• Another solid job done by the clean sheet brigade
• Next up: Arsenal away next weekend
• KTBFFH

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