Estevao Willian replaced the injured Cole Palmer and inspired a comfortable win over Crystal Palace that moved Chelsea back into the Premier League’s top four.
Goals from Estevao, Joao Pedro and Enzo Fernandez earned the points at Selhurst Park, while Palace’s England midfielder Adam Wharton was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in the space of six second‑half minutes.
Chris Richards headed in a consolation goal from close range late on.
Palace had looked the more likely to score first early in the match. Striker Jean‑Philippe Mateta, linked with Aston Villa and Juventus, went one‑on‑one with Robert Sanchez but hit his shot straight at the Chelsea goalkeeper.
Fernandez and Caicedo had efforts for Chelsea, with returning Palace winger Ismaila Sarr, fresh from winning the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal, having an attempt at the other end before Estevao opened the scoring in the 34th minute.
He latched on to a poor back-pass from Jaydee Canvot, used his pace to escape marker Tyrick Mitchell and drove a firm shot past Dean Henderson.
The 18-year-old Brazilian had a further attempt before the interval and after the break he clipped a pass to forward Joao Pedro, who turned Palace midfielder Wharton, before shooting through Henderson to double the advantage.
After a lengthy check by the video assistant referee, Chelsea were then awarded a penalty – Joao Pedro’s goalbound effort having struck Canvot’s hand inside the box – and Fernandez converted.
Minutes after earning a first yellow card for pulling Caicedo, Wharton was late in a tackle, earned his second booking and was sent off.
It was a miserable afternoon for Palace despite Richards heading in from a corner in the 88th minute as they dropped from 13th to 15th, eight points above the relegation zone.
New Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has overseen back-to-back Premier League wins, the first time they have managed that since November, in his first two top-flight matches since replacing Enzo Maresca.
Chelsea leapfrogged Liverpool back into the top four, although they have played one game more than Manchester United, who travel to Arsenal later in the day.
