Crystal Palace 1-2 Chelsea

Two red cards were at the very centre of an eventful 90 minutes – in which Chelsea grabbed a character-filled three points to stay top of the league.

The sending off of Cesar Azpilicueta and Damien Delaney, for two separate incidents just before the break, were the main talking point – but it was goals from Oscar and Cesc Fabregas which delivered Blues full points.

Jose Mourinho's team selection was somewhat forced by the absence of Diego Costa – finally beaten by the hamstring injury that has been threatening to punctuate his goal-run.

In stepped Loic Remy for a first Premier League start with the Blues. But more remarkable, perhaps, was the presence of 17-year-old Dominic Solanke next to Didier Drogba on the bench.

First pump: Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois celebrates

While one had spent his summer leading his country at the Brazil World Cup, the other was occupied sitting his GCSEs.

Palace were quick out of the blocks.

Frazier Campbell twisted and turned on the right edge of Thibaut Courtois' box – bewitching the Blues' defence, and forcing the Belgian keeper to make a reactionary save with his knees.

A corner followed – in which the two tallest men on the pitch, Courtois and Palace defender Brede Hangeland both dived for glory. Chelsea's man was again first at the scene.

Special One: Jose Mourinho has led Chelsea to an unbeaten start

Chelsea took the ball up the other end, and almost immediately turned an edgy start into a winning one.

A box-edge foul saw ref Craig Pawson award a free kick in the seventh minute. Oscar stepped to to deliver a floating ball of Brazilian beauty to soar into the top corner – and leave Julian Speroni caught in no-man's land.

The pacey start continued – with Campbell in particular showing quality.

Time and again, in the early stages, he raced down Chelsea's right flank – Branislav Ivanovic marooned up-field, Gary Cahill being tied in knots by his speed and control.

Fab guy! Cesc Fabregas celebrates scoring Chelsea's second

On one occasion he attempted a scissor kick lob over the looming Courois – perhaps unaware of just how big his opponent was.

On another he shot across the face of goal – when just a degree or two difference in his angle might have reaped an equaliser.

The game had plenty of twists to come.

On 40 minutes Cesar Azpilicueta went in studs-up on Mile Jedinak – in a tackle that was more clumsy than actually nasty. But the red card he was shown was deserved nonetheless.

Moments later Damien Delaney, already on a yellow, hauled down Remy – and the referee showed him a second to even the sides.

After the interval, Chelsea consolidated their lead.

On 51 minutes Cesc Fabregas, earlier shown a yellow in the aftermath of the Azpilicueta sending off, steamed goalward. He worked a one-two with Oscar on the edge of the box, before firing past Speroni – to his obvious delight.

The second half started to coast from there – though there was time for a a mild panic late on in the Chelsea defence, as Palace grabbed a consolation goal.

Right on 90 minutes, sub Wilfred Zaha crossed for Cambell to side foot in.

But Chelsea kept their lead and the afternoon saw a victorious John Terry, captaining Chelsea for the 500th time, leave the pitch saluting the away end – knowing Chelsea remained five points clear at the top of the Premier League.