Chelsea's Joao Pedro (second left) celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game during the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge _(Image: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)_
The Blues’ new gaffer Liam Rosenior was without teen sensation Estevao for last weekend’s 2-0 league win against Brentford because of a virus that’s sweeping through the squad, writes Tim Harrison.
Rosenior revealed that several other players were rested because of a chesty condition currently being passed around the changing room.
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It meant that team selection was hampered for his first game in charge at Stamford Bridge, a match where the Chelsea goal led a charmed life as Robert Sanchez, in a vastly improved performance from his previous outing, made several crucial saves, and the woodwork played its part too.
A first-half strike by Joao Pedro, spinning and shooting in a tight space, was decided after a three-minute VAR dither, while a Cole Palmer penalty a quarter of an hour from the end made the result safe.
But Chelsea rode their luck, and fans agreed that a draw might have been fairer on the balance of play.
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The Blues are away at Palace this weekend, following midweek Champions League action, as the games come thick and fast.
“A temperature and fever are running through the squad,” said Rosenior from the infirmary. “There were a couple of players playing today who were complaining about their chests, but they put in a magnificent effort.”
Meanwhile Chelsea’s women made short work of Crystal Palace in the 4th Round of the FA Cup at Kingsmeadow, running out 5-0 victors.
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Sam Kerr netted a brace, captain Millie Bright scored a powerful header, Guro Reiten sent keeper Shae Yanez the wrong way from the spot after ex-Chelsea defender Jamie-Lee Napier was judged to have fouled her in the box - though most felt it was a soft one to give - and Alyssa Thompson added a fifth.