Chelsea climbed to third place in the Premier League with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Tuesday.

Frank Lampard’s Champions League hopefuls surged ahead with goals from Olivier Giroud and Christian Pulisic, before Wilfried Zaha hit back in stunning fashion.

Giroud’s opener came after just six minutes as the visitors capitalised on the misfortune of former Chelsea player Gary Cahill.

The in-form Pulisic doubled the Blues’ lead in emphatic style before the half-hour mark, but Zaha’s wonder strike kept the away side on their toes.

Tammy Abraham’s cool 71st-minute finish was followed promptly by a Christian Benteke tap-in, but Roy Hodgson’s men were still condemned to a fourth straight defeat after Scott Dann was denied by the post at the death.

Chelsea broke the deadlock when Cahill appeared to pull a hamstring chasing Reece James’ ball in behind, allowing Willian time and space to pick out Giroud to steer home from close range.

With Cahill off injured, Palace’s day went from bad to worse when Pulisic lashed in from 12 yards, with Willian again providing the assist.

The lively Willian went close to a grabbing a goal of his own, but Vicente Guaita proved equal to the Brazilian’s side-footed effort.

Palace sprung into action in a spectacular manner soon after, Zaha arrowing a glorious strike beyond Kepa Arrizabalaga from 30 yards.

Abraham’s precise finish from Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s neat pass appeared to put the game to bed but Chelsea switched off and Patrick van Aanholt laid on an unmissable chance for Benteke barely a minute later.

However, Palace were unable to complete the comeback, with Dann’s header hitting the upright deep into stoppage time as Chelsea, beaten 3-2 in their previous away game at West Ham, reversed that scoreline this time.