Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior expressed his satisfaction after watching his side navigate what he described as a "huge test" during their 3-1 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday. The win marks Rosenior's first away triumph in the top flight since taking charge of the Blues, continuing an impressive start to his tenure.
Rosenior's Strong Start Continues
The victory represents Chelsea's fourth win from five matches across all competitions under Rosenior's leadership, demonstrating a significant upturn in form. With this result, Rosenior becomes the first Chelsea manager since Graham Potter to collect six points from his first two Premier League encounters, establishing early momentum in his Stamford Bridge reign.
Match Analysis and Key Moments
The match saw Chelsea take control through a combination of clinical finishing and Palace's defensive errors. Estevao opened the scoring in the 34th minute, capitalising on a mistake from Palace defender Jaydee Canvot to fire past goalkeeper Dean Henderson. The Brazilian forward then turned provider after the interval, setting up Joao Pedro for Chelsea's second goal in the 50th minute.
Controversy emerged when Canvot was charged with a handball that VAR confirmed was accidental, preventing a red card but resulting in a penalty that Enzo Fernandez converted to extend Chelsea's lead to 3-0. Despite Adam Wharton's 73rd-minute dismissal reducing Palace to ten men, the home side responded positively, with Chris Richards heading home a late consolation in the 88th minute.
Manager Reactions and Team Assessment
"I think today was a huge test," Rosenior commented after the match. "I changed the shape I played and the performance they did today makes me very pleased, because 95 per cent of the press and 95 per cent of the positioning was absolutely perfect. So they're engaged, I think they're believing in what they're doing."
Despite his overall satisfaction, Rosenior identified areas for improvement, particularly during the closing stages. "I keep saying you can't get carried away. There's still things that we really need to correct quickly. I was not happy with our last 10 minutes. I felt we should have gone on to dominate the game further."
Palace's Troubles Deepen
For Crystal Palace, Sunday's defeat represents another setback during a challenging period. The Eagles have already lost former captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City this month and suffered an embarrassing FA Cup exit to non-league Macclesfield. Manager Oliver Glasner acknowledged the club's transitional phase, stating: "The club is in transition. Since when I arrived, now we have four starters who have gone, and it's not to blame anybody for this. It's Crystal Palace, for clubs like we are, it's normal."
Glasner, who recently announced his intention to leave when his contract expires this summer, added: "And then in a transition phase there are some tough moments. Yes, it's a tough period for everyone. But I think what characterises Crystal Palace and our fans is they always stick together and support each other."
Transfer Speculation and Fan Reaction
Further concerns emerged for Palace as striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, who missed a good early chance to open the scoring, appeared to receive scattered boos from sections of the home support after the final whistle. The French forward is reportedly seeking a move during the January transfer window, though Glasner confirmed on Friday that Mateta had not submitted a formal transfer request and would not be sold without a ready replacement.
Chelsea now turn their attention to European competition, travelling to face Napoli in Wednesday's Champions League encounter as Rosenior looks to maintain his positive start. The Blues' performance at Selhurst Park suggests growing confidence within the squad as they adapt to their new manager's tactical approach.
