Morata double sends below-par Chelsea into second

Alvaro Morata scored twice to take unbeaten Chelsea above Liverpool into second place in the Premier League behind Manchester City on Sunday, but Maurizio Sarri's men made hard work of seeing off Crystal Palace 3-1. Morata has now scored four in his last four Premier League games after just two goals in his previous 20 domestic matches, and his return to form could be the final ingredient Sarri's side need to mount a serious title challenge.
The former Real Madrid striker gave Chelsea a barely deserved half-time lead from an uninspired first 45 minutes. However, Andros Townsend's equaliser and the introduction of Eden Hazard from the bench woke Chelsea from their slumber after the break and Morata restored the hosts' lead before Pedro Rodriguez sealed the three points.