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Alvaro Morata scored twice as unbeaten Chelsea climbed to second in the Premier League with a 3-1 victory against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
After Liverpool drew at Arsenal on Saturday, Chelsea knew victory would send them second and in-form Spain forward Morata saw them on their way with two smart finishes.
First the 26-year-old skilfully controlled and converted Pedro’s cross in the 32nd minute, then — after Andros Townsend equalised — the often maligned Morata lashed home from a tight angle in the 65th minute for his fourth goal in four league matches.
Pedro then sealed the victory five minutes later, ghosting into the box to convert Marcos Alonso’s cross in the 70th minute for a Chelsea side, who also welcomed back Eden Hazard as a second-half substitute.
Chelsea, one of three unbeaten sides, have 27 points from 11 games — two fewer than leaders Manchester City — and lead Liverpool in third on goal difference.
Palace, meanwhile, have won just twice in the league this season and remain 14th with eight points.
PA
Relive all the action below
The teams are out at Stamford Bridge and kick off is moments away. Chelsea are without Eden Hazard, but are still strong favourites. A win today would take Maurizio Sarri’s side to second in the Premier League.
Palace, off the back of a 2-2 draw with Arsenal last weekend, will be hoping for a shock result. Follow all the action live here.
Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace
3 minutes
The visitors have started well. Zaha finds himself in the box after some neat interplay, and his attempted ball across is deflected out for a corner.
Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace
7 minutes
Nearly an unfortunate moment for James Tomkins. He swipes at a Barkley cross but Hennessey is well positioned to catch the ball.
Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace
12 minutes
Chelsea appear to have settled into the game after a slow start. They’re enjoying most of the possession and starting to look threatening. Palace, though, have shown that they’re dangerous on the break.
Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace
14 minutes
A promising Palace counter comes to nothing. Van Aanholt bursts forward from left back and Zaha picks him out. His cross is poor, though, and it’s easily cleared.
Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace
17 minutes
Zaha drives forward from deep as Palace look to spring another counter. He’s brought down and the resulting free kick comes to nothing. But Chelsea are not comfortable here.
Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace
20 minutes
Zaha is in the thick of the action again. He finds space on the right and pulls the ball back for Max Meyer, whose shot is over the bar.
Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace
22 minutes
It’s all Palace at the moment. Meyer again finds room to shoot at goal, but this time his effort is blocked.
Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace
25 minutes
Zaha breaks through and runs at David Luiz one on one. The Brazilian does well to hold him up, and his attempted pass is poor.
Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace
29 minutes
Chelsea are trying to stretch Palace, to create chances from wide areas. They’ve put in a number of crosses towards Morata, but the visitors are defending resolutely.
Chelsea 1-0 Crystal Palace
35 minutes
Chelsea fans, for a moment, thought they had another. Willian converts from close range, but the flag is up.
The hosts are in control now, though.
Chelsea 1-0 Crystal Palace
37 minutes
Barkley’s eyes light up as he receives the ball on the edge of the box. He’s been in good goal scoring form and he can’t be blamed for hitting one. This time, though, he balloons his shot over the bar.
Chelsea 1-0 Crystal Palace
39 minutes
Morata tries to flick a header towards goal but can only loop it over the bar. He looks confident and hungry for more goals, which will please Maurizio Sarri.
Chelsea 1-0 Crystal Palace
41 minutes
All seemed to be going to plan for Palace in the opening 30 minutes. But Chelsea, since scoring, have moved up the gears. They’re a formidable opponent when at their best, and they’re starting to show why they’re yet to lose a Premier League game this season.
Chelsea 1-0 Crystal Palace
45 minutes
One minute of added time to be played.
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