Chelsea 3-0 Crystal Palace: The one with a dream Premier League debut

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The first match of the season is always a special one. Seeing familiar faces. Catching up after a summer off. But with the pandemic shutting out fans since March of last year - the day started with an even bigger buzz than normal. At least for the fans who still had their seats. With those in charge failing to take care of the match-going fans, nearly one thousand Chelsea supporters found themselves without a seat on opening day - with less than 24 hours notice.

The Kings of Europe faced a new-look Crystal Palace under Patrick Vieira. From virtually kick-off it was evident that there's work to be done by the formal Arsenal man in bedding in so many new players. They've injected a lot of youth and energy into a previously aging squad. They'll need to click sooner than later if they're to keep their Premier League status.

Thomas Tuchel made five changes to the squad that played 120 minutes in Belfast for the Super Cup win, with both Hakim Ziyech and N'Golo Kante picking up injuries. Mason Mount, Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen, Christian Pulisic, Jorginho and his ridiculous hair all started on Saturday. While Trevoh Chalobah made his Premier League debut after impressing against Villarreal.

Having been an outcast most of last season it was great to see Marcos Alonso starting back-to-back games for the first time since February. Whether these are 'shop-window' appearances or not, remains to be seen. But he's proved his worth. A constant threat and of course a lush free-kick to open the scoring. It was Chelsea's 50th of the Premier League, with only Manchester United having scored more. The sound of celebration from an actual full crowd was incredible. It's been far too long to hear that spontaneous burst of pure joy and something that football has more than missed over these last 18 months.

How it started

Before the break, the Blues sealed the win after Christian Pulisic pounced on a spilled cross to double the lead. Crystal Palace are Captain America's favourite opposition by some distance. He has now scored at least two more goals against them than any other team he has faced. He has now scored 14 goals in the Premier League, with five of those coming against Palace. It feels personal at this point. We now know who should be first on the teamsheet for the trip to Selhurst Park.

As brilliant as both goals were in the first half, it was the second-half strike that will be remembered. After finding himself in space 25 yards out, and the Stamford Bridge faithful urging him to shoot, it was Premier League debutant Chalobah who fired home to seal the points. A low drive into the far corner, a goal most strikers would be proud of. The young defender dropped to his knees overcome with emotion as his teammates surrounded him to congratulate him on such a special moment. I think there's something in my eye....

While neither Mason Mount nor Timo Werner found themselves on the scoresheet, both deserve a mention for their performances. The German for his incredible movement in and around Palace's box, creating space. He was unlucky not to score after getting on the end of a couple enthusiastic crosses. While Mount was as bright as ever, winning the ball in dangerous areas and making himself impossible to contain.

Next up, Arsenal away and the return of Romelu Lukaku

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RESULT: Chelsea 3-0 Crystal Palace

GOALS: Alonso 27', Pulsic 40', Chalobah 58'

CHELSEA XI: Mendy, Chalobah, Christensen, Rudiger, Azpilicueta (James 67), Kovacic, Jorginho, Alonso (Emerson 86), Pulisic (Havertz 82), Mount, Werner

STAR MAN: Chalobah