Chelsea moved back into the top half of the Premier League after a dramatic 3-1 win against struggling Crystal Palace.
A brace courtesy of Conor Gallagher and a late Enzo Fernandez strike cancelled out Jefferson Lerma’s first half opener. Victory for Chelsea sees Mauricio Pochettino’s side rise to tenth whilst Palace remain 15th and five points from the drop zone.
Here are five things we learned from the match…
Chelsea still ridden with mistakes
Whilst it is not uncommon for teams to make mistakes during matches, Chelsea make too many for their own good. Were it not for wasteful shooting from Crystal Palace, then the Blues could have found themselves a goal or maybe two down in the first half, having gifted their hosts possession in dangerous positions in the final third. It was one mistake too many in the 30th minute as Noni Madueke was disposed just outside his own penalty area by Jefferson Lerma before the Colombian blasted a shot from 25 yards into the top corner.
Blues attackers struggle to make impact
Chelsea’s attacking play never really got going despite dominating the ball for large periods of the match. Mercurial attackers Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Nicholas Jackson all struggled to impose themselves on a well drilled Palace defence, with Palmer dropping extremely deep to try and make something happen. The Blues’ only chance of the first half was from Conor Gallagher on the stroke of half-time, but he scuffed his effort wide.
Gallagher stands up to rescue Chelsea
Chelsea had only one shot in the first 45 minutes before Gallagher fired in the equaliser within a minute of the resumption of the match. Having scored his first goal of the season against Aston Villa in the FA Cup, the 24-year-old added his first league goal of the campaign with an arched finish. Then in the first minute of second-half added time, Gallagher blasted home the winner to break Palace hearts. The midfielder has arguably been Chelsea’s best player this season, and has merited a starting berth in Mauricio Pochettino’s team.
Palace new boys give Hodgson something to work with
With Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi all out for prolonged periods of time, it appeared Crystal Palace’s hopes of Premier League survival had taken a big hit. 19-year-old Adam Wharton, a deadline day deal from Blackburn Rovers and Colombian Daniel Munoz both had impressive games as they continue to bed into their new surroundings. Despite both being a completely different profile of player to their attacking teammates, Palace looked a much better side with them in it. Wharton in particular shone, not looking out of place with two £100+ million players also on the pitch for the opposition.
Dramatic late defensive collapses costs Palace dear
Heading into second half stoppage time, Roy Hodgson and his Palace side were about to secure a priceless point in their battle for Premier League survival. Unfortunately for the Eagles, Chelsea had other ideas and goals from Gallagher and Fernandez secured a crucial victory for Pochettino. It was heartbreak for the Palace players who, after a battling 90 minutes, crumbled at the last moment to head home empty-handed and in no better position than they were originally.
