Alvaro Morata helps Chelsea to hard-fought victory against Crystal Palace

Relive all the action from the Premier League fixture at Stamford Bridge

Morata's second put Chelsea back in front (Getty)

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.

PA

Relive all the action below

[4 November 2018 16:31 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace

29 minutes

Chelsea are trying to stretch Palace, to create chances from wide areas. They've put in a number of crosses towards Morata, but the visitors are defending resolutely.

[4 November 2018 16:33 · Callum Rice-Coates]

GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Crystal Palace (Morata)

32 minutes

Chelsea are in front after a good spell of pressure. Pedro picks out Morata, who takes a clever first touch, turns and fires past Hennessey. The Spaniard has started brightly and gets his reward.

[4 November 2018 16:37 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Chelsea 1-0 Crystal Palace

35 minutes

Chelsea fans, for a moment, thought they had another. Willian converts from close range, but the flag is up. 

The hosts are in control now, though. 

[4 November 2018 16:39 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Chelsea 1-0 Crystal Palace

37 minutes

Barkley's eyes light up as he receives the ball on the edge of the box. He's been in good goal scoring form and he can't be blamed for hitting one. This time, though, he balloons his shot over the bar.

[4 November 2018 16:41 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Chelsea 1-0 Crystal Palace

39 minutes

Morata tries to flick a header towards goal but can only loop it over the bar. He looks confident and hungry for more goals, which will please Maurizio Sarri.

[4 November 2018 16:43 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Chelsea 1-0 Crystal Palace

41 minutes

All seemed to be going to plan for Palace in the opening 30 minutes. But Chelsea, since scoring, have moved up the gears. They're a formidable opponent when at their best, and they're starting to show why they're yet to lose a Premier League game this season.

[4 November 2018 16:46 · Callum Rice-Coates]

[4 November 2018 16:47 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Chelsea 1-0 Crystal Palace

45 minutes

One minute of added time to be played.

[4 November 2018 16:49 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Half time: Chelsea, after a slow start, take a narrow lead into the break. Morata's goal is all that separates the sides, although the Blues threatened to run away with the game as the first half progressed. Palace are still in this, though.

[4 November 2018 17:04 · Callum Rice-Coates]

We're back underway at Stamford Bridge.