Latest: Crystal Palace 0 Chelsea 2
Lovely goals from Oscar and Cesc Fabregas have put Chelsea in command at Selhurst Park, where both sides have had a man sent off.
Oscar scored with a brilliant 30-yard free-kick after six minutes but Crystal Palace caused plenty of problems for the visitors before Cesar Azpilicueta and then Eagles defender Damien Delaney were dismissed 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 walked for a second bookable offence following a foul on Loic Remy.
But Fabregas restored calm with a touch of pure class six minutes after the interval when he finished coolly after exchanging passes with Eden Hazard and then Oscar.
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.
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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