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 17:07 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Chelsea 1-0 Crystal Palace

48 minutes

Kante finds himself in space on the edge of the box and feeds Pedro on the right. The Spaniard's cross is blocked and Palace clear.

[4 November 2018 17:10 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Chelsea 1-0 Crystal Palace

50 minutes

Eden Hazard, warming up on the sidelines, gets a warm reception from the Chelsea fans. The Palace supporters are not quite so happy to see him. They'll want him to stay on the bench for as long as possible.

[4 November 2018 17:11 · Callum Rice-Coates]

GOAL! Chelsea 1-1 Crystal Palace (Townsend)

53 minutes

From nowhere, Palace are level. McArthur plays a lovely through ball into the path of Townsend, who slots into the far corner. Chelsea looked comfortable, but now it's game on.

[4 November 2018 17:15 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Chelsea 1-1 Crystal Palace

56 minutes

Morata rises and heads towards goal. Hennessey makes the save, but the flag is up anyway. Chelsea are looking for an immediate response.

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

[4 November 2018 17:19 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Chelsea 1-1 Crystal Palace

60 minutes

Willian tries an ambitious shot from long range, which Hennessey saves comfortably. At the other end, Palace break forward and Meyer tests Kepa at the near post.

[4 November 2018 17:21 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Chelsea 1-1 Crystal Palace

62 minutes

Willian plays in Morata, who makes a clever run towards the near post. Tomkins reads it well, though, and comes across to block.

[4 November 2018 17:21 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Chelsea 1-1 Crystal Palace

63 minutes

Willian curls in a free kick and Luiz powers a header towards goal. It requires a strong save from Hennessey.

[4 November 2018 17:22 · Callum Rice-Coates]

First changes of the game for Chelsea. Willian is off for Hazard and Kovacic replaces Barkley.

[4 November 2018 17:24 · Callum Rice-Coates]

GOAL! Chelsea 2-1 Crystal Palace (Morata)

65 minutes

Hazard is immediately involved. He wins a free kick and swings the set piece into the box. It drops for Morata, who finishes expertly on his left foot to put Chelsea back in front.