Estevao Willian replaced the injured Cole Palmer and led Chelsea to a comfortable win over Crystal Palace, propelling them back into the Premier League’s top four.
Estevao, Joao Pedro, and Enzo Fernandez scored to secure the victory at Selhurst Park.
However, England midfielder Adam Wharton was sent off after earning two yellow cards in six minutes during the second half.
Chris Richards scored a consolation goal from close range late on.
Early in the game, Palace appeared to have the advantage in terms of scoring first.
Jean-Philippe Mateta, a striker linked with Aston Villa and Juventus, had a one-on-one with Robert Sanchez but blasted straight at Chelsea’s goalie.
Chelsea’s Fernandez and Caicedo had opportunities, while Palace winger Ismaila Sarr, fresh from winning the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal, had an attempt at the opposite end before Estevao opened the scoring in the 34th minute.
He took advantage of Jaydee Canvot’s bad backpass, used his speed to outpace Tyrick Mitchell, and fired a powerful shot past Dean Henderson.
The 18-year-old Brazilian had another attempt before halftime, and after the break, he clipped a pass to forward Joao Pedro, who twisted Palace midfielder Wharton before blasting through Henderson to increase the lead.
Following a lengthy review by the video assistant referee, Chelsea was awarded a penalty when Joao Pedro’s goal-bound attempt struck Canvot’s hand inside the box, which Fernandez converted.
Wharton was sent off minutes after receiving his first yellow card for pulling Caicedo due to a late tackle.
Despite Richards’ goal from a corner in the 88th minute, Palace fell from 13th to 15th place, eight points above the relegation zone.
Liam Rosenior, Chelsea’s new manager, has led the club to back-to-back Premier League victories, the first time since November, in his first two top-flight games since replacing Enzo Maresca.
Chelsea reclaimed the top four spot from Liverpool, despite having played one more game than Manchester United, who face Arsenal later in the day.
With Palmer out with a thigh injury, Estevao offered Chelsea’s X-factor.
As the England player’s season continues to be hampered by injury, the Brazilian teen sensation who signed from Palmeiras in the summer has frequently appeared capable of filling in.
Estevao is quick, technically adept, and capable of both scoring and assisting, and he can deliver much of what Palmer is known for.
His 34th-minute goal was due to his alertness, speed, and quality in putting a shot past Henderson while under pressure from Mitchell.
Estevao then played a brilliant one-two with young countryman Joao Pedro, who opened up the space before clipping a ball in behind for his more senior striker to score a second.
He then went one-on-one with Canvot and fired another shot on goal, while his pass to Joao Pedro resulted in the penalty that put Chelsea up 3-0 and eased the victory.
Estevao still has a lot to learn, and he has been agitated when Chelsea has lost games or when he has been roughed up by defenders.
Estevao, who will not be 19 until April, has similarly been on an 11-game goal drought in the Premier League, with the majority of his games coming from the bench.
Nonetheless, he has scored goals—one against Liverpool and three in the Champions League, including a spectacular strike against Barcelona and now another versus Palace.
