16th place, three points above the
relegation zone after a woeful opening
half of the season, but comprehensively
outplayed seventh-placed Palace in
torrential rain at Selhurst Park.
Hiddink is unbeaten since taking over on
an interim basis following the sacking of
Jose Mourinho last month, although the
win at Palace was his first following
draws with Watford and Manchester
United over the Christmas programme.
Costa set up Oscar to side-foot Chelsea
ahead after 29 minutes and Chelsea went
on to play some of their best football of
the season to pick apart a Palace side
sorely missing the suspended Yohan
Cabaye and injured Yannick Bolasie.
Willian smashed in Chelsea's second on
the hour with a thumping shot from
outside the area and shortly afterwards
Costa capped a hard-working
performance with a close-range third
goal.
Palace offered precious little and Chelsea's only concern was
an injury to Eden Hazard, who limped off midway through
the first half after signalling to the bench.
Chelsea's third win in their last 11 league matches moved
them up a couple of places to 14th with 23 points, 13 points
behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur who drew 1-1 at
Everton.
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