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Chelsea vs Crystal Palace LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction today

Follow all the fallout from Stamford Bridge

Emmet Gates
Saturday 14 August 2021 17:22 BST
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(Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

The Champions League trophy and the Super Cup were on display at Stamford Bridge before Chelsea’s stroll to victory over Crystal Palace. The silverware glittered in the sun. Thomas Tuchel’s team shone, too. The European champions dispatched Patrick Vieira’s side with the minimum of fuss.

Two first-half goals from Marcos Alonso and Christian Pulisic meant Chelsea never really had to build up a sweat. Trevoh Chalobah, the academy graduate making his Premier League debut, added a third after the break. It was all too easy.

A long winter lies ahead but the promise of more glory hung in the warm west London air. With Romelu Lukakuwaiting in the wings and options galore in the squad, Tuchel cannot fail to be optimistic. Chelsea were bright, their passing and movement were sharp and they allowed Palace little room to gain a foothold in the game.

Vieira, by contrast, must have felt a shiver. The Frenchman said before the game that his team will need time to adjust. With their 4-4-2 setup and lack of ambition it looked like Roy Hodgson had picked the side. Their lack of ambition and general aimlessness bodes badly for the season. Relive all the action below:

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Premier League: Chelsea 3-0 Crystal Palace

Emmet Gates14 August 2021 17:00
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Premier League: Chelsea 3-0 Crystal Palace

Full time at Stamford Bridge.

A very comfortable and fairly routine 3-0 win for the reigning European champions at the Bridge.

It took the home side a while to click into place, but once they did, Palace never stood a chance.

Alonso’s free kick was exceptional, albeit there was doubts on Vicente Guaita’s positioning. The left-back had a superb game throughout, and almost had the freedom of the pitch to do as he pleased, especially in the first half.

Pulisic added a somewhat fortuitous second, but deserved on the whole, as Patrick Vieira’s side really offered precious little in attack.

Palace were toothless throughout the game, and offered little resistance to the Chelsea onslaught. New manager Vieira has his work cut out for him this season at Selhurst Park.

Emmet Gates14 August 2021 16:57
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Premier League: Chelsea 3-0 Crystal Palace

90 + 2 min: Great battling between Chalobah and Zaha at the end of the game.

Emmet Gates14 August 2021 16:53
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Premier League: Chelsea 3-0 Crystal Palace

88 min: A decent effort from Benteke following a long floated through ball from midfield. The striker hit the ball first time on the volley as it dropped out of the sky - never the easiest of skills - as it flashed across the face of goal, but there were no Palace players following up on it.

Emmet Gates14 August 2021 16:51
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Premier League: Chelsea 3-0 Crystal Palace

86 min: Will Chelsea add a fourth goal before the end of the game?

Emmet Gates14 August 2021 16:47
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Premier League: Chelsea 3-0 Crystal Palace

85 min: Chelsea bringing on Euro 2020 winner Emerson for Alonso at left-back

Emmet Gates14 August 2021 16:46
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Premier League: Chelsea 3-0 Crystal Palace

82 min: Change for Chelsea

Kai Havertz coming on for Pulisic.

Emmet Gates14 August 2021 16:42
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Premier League: Chelsea 3-0 Crystal Palace

81 min: Palace showing some fight in the final 10 minutes

Emmet Gates14 August 2021 16:42
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Premier League: Chelsea 3-0 Crystal Palace

78 min: Another change for Palace

Jairo Riedewald coming off to be replaced by Jesuran Rak-Sakyi

Emmet Gates14 August 2021 16:38
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Premier League: Chelsea 3-0 Crystal Palace

70 min: Chelsea playing with so much confidence at the minute, seeking that fourth goal, but doing so without going all out.

Emmet Gates14 August 2021 16:31

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