Chelsea climbed up to second in the Premier League after Tammy Abraham and Christian Pulisic sealed a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.

Abraham's 10th league goal of the season unlocked the Palace defence after 52 minutes of resistance, before Pulisic sealed a sixth consecutive league victory for Frank Lampard's side with his fifth goal in three league games.

Chelsea last won six Premier League games in a row in their title-winning 2016/17 campaign, and this latest victory will only fuel talk of them mounting a challenge for the title again this season.

Palace could have climbed up to fifth with a win but they remain ninth ahead of the remaining Saturday fixtures after suffering a third defeat in four.

Player ratings

Chelsea: Kepa (6), James (7), Tomori (7), Zouma (7), Emerson (7), Kante (7), Kovacic (7), Mount (7), Willian (8), Pulisic (8), Abraham (7).

Subs: Batshuayi (6), Gilmour (n/a), Hudson-Odoi (n/a).

Crystal Palace: Guaita (6), Ward (6), Tomkins (6), Cahill (6), Van Aanholt (6), McArthur (6), Kouyate (6), Milivojevic (6), Townsend (6), Zaha (6), Ayew (6).

Subs: Kelly (6), Schlupp (5), McCarthy (n/a).

Man of the match: Christian Pulisic

How Chelsea climbed up to second

Chelsea were made to work for their victory, with former Blues defender Gary Cahill marshalling a Palace back four that prevented the hosts from scoring in the first half for the first time in three matches.

But it wasn't for the want of trying. Pulisic nearly got Chelsea off to the perfect start on 12 minutes when he jinked his way into the area, but a smothering save from Vicente Guaita rescued Palace before Willian whistled a free-kick inches wide.

Palace bedded themselves in after the early onslaught, but Chelsea laid siege on their goal before the break. Guaita was called into action to prevent Willian's dipping volley from finding the net before Pulisic sent a header over the bar.

Team news

Reece James made in his full Premier League debut in place of Cesar Azpilicueta, who saw a run of 73 consecutive starts for Chelsea come to an end, while N’Golo Kante replaced the suspended Jorginho. Palace made one change as Andros Townsend returned from injury in place of Jeffrey Schlupp.

A stunning reflex save from Guaita and a last-gasp Cahill block saw Palace reach the interval unscathed, but only just after Willian had two bites at scoring the opener deep into stoppage-time.

And, within seven minutes of the restart, Chelsea finally made their pressure tell. Mateo Kovacic played the ball up to Willian at the end of a driving run, and the Brazilian's improvised flick released Abraham who clinically fired past Guaita.

Pulisic was denied a quick-fire second when his rasping drive drew a fingertip save from Guaita on the hour. And Palace should have drawn level on 70 minutes, but James Tomkins headed their best chance wide when Luka Milivojevic's cross found him unmarked in the Chelsea box.

But Chelsea heeded their warning, wrestling back the initiative and laying the foundations for Pulisic to settle the contest, as he nodded substitute Michy Batshuayi's blocked shot home to maintain his, and his team's, recent form.

Stats: Chelsea - champions?

Chelsea have won six consecutive Premier League games for the first time since May 2017 under Antonio Conte, in their last title-winning season.

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is the seventh English manager to win six consecutive Premier League matches, and the first since Alan Pardew in April 2012 with Newcastle United.

With an average age of 24 years and 88 days, Chelsea named their youngest ever starting XI in the Premier League, and the youngest of any team in the competition this season.

What's next?

Chelsea host champions Manchester City on Saturday Night Football after the international break on November 23, live on Sky Sports Premier League. Palace host leaders Liverpool on the same day at 3pm.

Click Here For Official Team Sheet

Teams

Chelsea Kepa, James, Tomori, Zouma, Emerson, Kante, Koovacic, Willian (c), Mount (Gilmour 87), Abraham (Batshuayi 73), Pulisic (Hudson-Odoi 80)
Subs Not Used Caballero, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Giroud
Booked Willian, Emerson, Kovacic
Goals Abraham 52, Pulisic 79

Crystal Palace Guaita, Ward (Kelly 44), Tomkins, Cahill, Van Aanholt, Townsend, Kouyate (McCarthy 82), Milivojevic (c), McArthur (Schlupp 70), Zaha, Ayew
Subs Not Used Hennessey, Dann, Riedewald, Benteke
Booked Zaha, McCarthy
Goals

Attendance 40,525

Referee Mike Dean