A crucial brace from Conor Gallagher and a late Enzo Fernandez strike ensured Chelsea claimed a dramatic but deserved 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Chelsea dominated possession for much of the contest but had fallen behind in the opening period when Jefferson Lerma rifled an unstoppable shot from 25 yards beyond Djordje Petrovic.

The Blues needed to react in the second half and did so immediately as Gallagher’s fine cushioned volley from a Malo Gusto cross brought the Blues level and swung momentum in the contest their way.

It appeared as though Chelsea would be frustrated in their attempts to find a winner but, as the clock ticked into the 90th minute, Cole Palmer teed up Gallagher and he swept the ball home from the edge of the box. Enzo Fernandez then completed a fine breakaway with an excellent finish to wrap up a hard-fought win for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.

Only one change was made to the Chelsea side that started the FA Cup victory at Aston Villa: Thiago Silva replaced the injured Benoit Badiashile in defence. The Blues showed the same composure on the ball that had served them so well at Villa Park, with possession dominated in the early stages.