Half-time: Crystal Palace 0 Chelsea 1

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Oscar’s brilliant free-kick after six minutes put Chelsea in command at Selhurst Park, where both sides have since been reduced to 10 men.

Oscar swept the ball past keeper Julian Speroni from 30 yards but Crystal Palace caused the visitors plenty of problems before Cesar Azpilicueta and then Eagles defender Damien Delaney were sent off late in the first half.

Azpilicueta was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Mile Jedinak and a couple of minutes later Delaney was dismissed for a second bookable offence following a foul on Loic Remy.

Neil Warnock’s side made the early running and Blues keeper Thibaut Courtois denied Frazier Campbell before Azpilicueta did well to clear Yannick Bolasie’s dangerous cross.

Palace remained a threat after going behind and Campbell dragged a shot wide from an awkward angle after going past Gary Cahill.

Remy started for Chelsea in the absence of Diego Costa, who was left out because of ongoing concerns over the striker’s hamstring issue.

John Terry started as Chelsea’s captain for the 500th time and is also equalling Frank Lampard’s club record of 429 Premier League appearances.

Crystal Palace: Speroni, Kelly, Hangeland, Delaney, Ward, Bolasie, Jedinak, McArthur, Ledley, Puncheon, Campbell.
Subs: Mariappa, Guedioura, Doyle, Zaha, Hennessey, Gayle, Chamakh.

Chelsea: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Matic, Fabregas; Willian (Filipe Luis 41) Oscar, Hazard; Remy.
Subs: Cech, Zouma, Mikel, Salah, Drogba, Solanke.

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