Chelsea’s recovery continues with win at Palace

Crystal Palace 0 Chelsea 3

Oscar, Willian and Diego Costa scored as Chelsea emphatically secured their first win since Guus Hiddink took charge.

Oscar’s 28th-minute opener gave the visitors a half-time lead in the pouring rain at Selhurst Park, where Eden Hazard went off injured.

Willian’s fine strike – his eighth goal of the season – made it 2-0 on the hour mark and he also played a key role in Costa’s goal five minutes later.

It leaves Chelsea unbeaten in four matches since the sacking of Jose Mourinho, with two clean sheets in their three games under Hiddink.

The Dutchman was a huge success in his first spell at the helm, in 2009, and can be well pleased with his start this time around.

However, there was concern for Hazard, who limped off on 16 minutes after appearing to hurt his groin while taking a shot. Not that Chelsea missed him.

Costa, back from suspension, and Cesc Fabregas both returned to the starting line-up and were involved in the first goal.

Damien Delaney misjudged an interception, allowing Costa to escape after collecting Fabregas’ ball down the right, and the striker teed up Oscar for a simple tap in.

Oscar then found Cesar Azpilicueta, who was denied by a fine save from Crystal Palace keeper Wayne Hennessey.

Kurt Zouma should have scored early in the second half when he headed wide from a free-kick by Willian, who started and finished
the move which led to Chelsea eventually doubling their lead.

He found Fabregas and the Spaniard in turn found Oscar, who was fouled before Willian snapped up the loose ball and smashed home from 20 yards.

And when Willian burst into the box and let fly with a shot Hennessy could only parry, Costa was able to score from a yard out.