Soccer-Alonso, Pulisic and debutant Chalobah score as Chelsea coast past Palace

Soccer Football - Premier League - Chelsea v Crystal Palace - Stamford Bridge, London, Britain - August 14, 2021 Chelsea fans REUTERS/Hannah Mckay

LONDON (Reuters) -Chelsea eased to a 3-0 home win over a toothless Crystal Palace on Saturday as the European champions made a strong statement of intent in their opening game of the Premier League season.

Spanish left back Marcos Alonso fizzed a free kick into the top corner to put Chelsea in charge in the 27th minute while U.S. forward Christian Pulisic followed up on the rebound to double their lead five minutes before halftime.