Morata brace sends unbeaten Chelsea second

CHELSEA 3 CRYSTAL PALACE 1

Nov 4 (Reuters) – Alvaro Morata scored twice as unbeaten Chelsea climbed to second in the Premier League with a 3-1 victory against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

After Liverpool drew at Arsenal on Saturday, Chelsea knew victory would send them second and in-form Spain forward Morata saw them on their way with two smart finishes.

First the 26-year-old skilfully controlled and converted Pedro’s cross in the 32nd minute, then — after Andros Townsend equalised — the often maligned Morata lashed home from a tight angle in the 65th minute for his fourth goal in four league matches.

Pedro then sealed the victory five minutes later, ghosting into the box to convert Marcos Alonso’s cross in the 70th minute for a Chelsea side, who also welcomed back Eden Hazard as a second-half substitute.

Chelsea, one of three unbeaten sides, have 27 points from 11 games — two fewer than leaders Manchester City — and lead Liverpool in third on goal difference. Palace, meanwhile, have won just twice in the league this season and remain 14th with eight points. (Reporting by Tom Hayward Editing by Toby Davis)