All the focus will now be on Napoli as Liam Rosenior looks to keep Chelsea’s momentum going into Wednesday night’s crucial Champions League clash, but Sunday’s win was a good one.
Rosenior has won four of his five Chelsea games now, but Sunday was the most convincing. An away trip to Selhurst Park, a tricky place to go even if Palace are in the midst of a crisis, and Chelsea eased to a win.
A 3-1 victory when really it could have been four or five. For 75 minutes, Chelsea dominated the game apart from a shaky moment early on and Palace’s surprise onslaught in the last 10 minutes, with 10 men.
Estevao’s best game in a Chelsea shirt?
Sensational performance from the Brazilian…
Estevao stats vs Crystal Palace
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There were some superb performances. Robert Sanchez in goal, all three central midfielders, and notably, Andrey Santos, Joao Pedro got his second Premier League goals in two games, and then winger, Estevao.
Owen Hargreaves loves watching Chelsea wonderkid Estevao
What a performance from Estevao. The Brazilian was excellent on Sunday, not only scoring with a superb solo goal after being put through just inside Crystal Palace’s half, but also creating Chelsea’s second goal.
Estevao of Chelsea looks on during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea
Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images
Speaking on Premier League Productions, Owen Hargreaves described Estevao as “ridiculous” during his half-time analysis, with the only goal coming through Estevao at that point. Estevao has caught the eye.
“How good is this kid? Ridiculous. He is amazing, running into space – Palace make a massive mess of it. With Guehi at Man City, Mitchell looks across and can’t get into position,” Hargreaves said on Sunday.
Michael Owen agreed: “Mitchell doesn’t know Estevao is there, and he backs his pace. It’s a lovely finish, He carried going on in the same direction, he cut the ball back, which creates a new angle for his finish.”
Pedro Neto really needs to mix up his game 🤦♂️
What did you make of his performance against Pafos?
Pedro Neto's number of crosses vs Pafos
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
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Estevao surely starts for Chelsea against Napoli
Cole Palmer was completely absent on Sunday, and the chances of him getting a start against Napoli seem almost zero. So, that means Liam Rosenior has four wingers to choose from on Wednesday night.
Pedro Neto has struggled since Rosenior arrived at Chelsea, his display at Pafos was poor. Jamie Gittens has been the weakest of the four this season, though he did impress in Rosenior’s first Chelsea outing.
Realistically, Alejandro Garnacho comes back in after being rested on Sunday and Estevao starts on the other side. Neto may come off the bench, but Estevao deserves to start against Napoli after his goal.
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