Selhurst Park, London — 18 January 2054. Chelsea extended their grip atop the Premier League table with a commanding 4–0 win away to Crystal Palace, powered by a scintillating performance from Scott Crichton.
The champions-elect were ruthless from the off. Kieran O’Sullivan opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 37th minute after Omri Cohen bundled over Rogério José. Just before the break, José Francisco Landeira added a classy finish to double the lead, placing Chelsea firmly in control.
After the interval, Scott Crichton seized the spotlight. First, a low, rifled drive in the 61st minute punctured the fragile Palace defence. Then, twelve minutes later, the attacking midfielder capitalised on a mistake by Jesús Fuentes to nod home his second of the game, sealing a brace and the match ball. His final rating of 8.5 reflected an afternoon of total command.
Palace struggled to match Chelsea’s precision or possession, managing just seven shots to the visitors’ nineteen. With only 35% of the ball and a meagre 0.40 expected goals, their resistance collapsed under wave after wave of blue pressure. Younes Loulanti’s injury and Zdeněk Brezina’s booking compounded their misery.
For Chelsea, this was not merely a routine win—it was a statement. Joby Holwell was steady in goal, while Rogério José and Francesco Rustignoli orchestrated play from deep. The midfield trio of Landeira, Marcelo, and Jenkins dominated territory, allowing Crichton to flourish high up the pitch. Facundo Quiroga and O’Sullivan provided thrust and balance from the flanks.
The victory keeps Chelsea clear at the top with 59 points from 23 games, four ahead of Arsenal. Palace, meanwhile, languish in 18th, their form as brittle as their backline.
Man of the Match: Scott Crichton (Chelsea) — Two goals, three dribbles, tireless movement. The creative core of a side that looks untouchable.
Chelsea sit top of the Premier League table, while 
Crystal Palace remain in deep trouble.