C Palace 1 – 3 Chelsea

Conor Gallagher’s double and Enzo Fernandez’s late third helped Chelsea to a 3-1 win in opposition to Crystal Palace on Monday Night Football.

The weight of anticipation weighed closely on each side heading into the sport. Could Chelsea discover consistency after a tremendous efficiency from midweek in opposition to Aston Villa? How would underneath-strain Crystal Palace fare with out three of their greatest gamers in Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise and Marc Guehi?

The Eagles had been by far the higher within the first half. They outshot Chelsea six to at least one, and made it depend too as Lerma volleyed residence a sensational effort to see Crystal Palace forward on the half-hour.

But Chelsea improved after the break and it was one other excellent aim inside 90 seconds of the restart that noticed them degree, this time from former Crystal Palace loanee Gallagher.

The sport appeared to be meandering in the direction of a draw – however two late targets from Gallagher (90+1) and Fernandez (90+4) noticed Chelsea to the three factors.

It sees Chelsea into the highest 10 above Wolves with 34 factors. Crystal Palace, in the meantime, stay 5 factors above the relegation zone.

How Chelsea snatched a late victory

It was Crystal Palace who had the higher first-half probabilities. Djordje Petrovic saved from Jordan Ayew and Jean-Philippe Mateta – the latter’s effort coming after a sloppy giveaway from the guests.

And the hosts made their probabilities depend when Lerma scored a stunner. It was sloppy defending from Chelsea – and a few industrious play from Tyrick Mitchell – that noticed the ball break for the midfielder. He then hit it beautifully on the volley, rifling previous Petrovic’s outstretched hand.

Chelsea had been on the cusp of ending the half with no pictures. But, as three minutes of added time was proven, Gallagher dragged an effort huge and off course.

And Gallagher thumped Chelsea degree 90 seconds after a delayed restart – referee Michael Oliver needing to kind out some malfunctioning expertise. One of Malo Gusto’s proper-wing crosses was lastly met too as Gallagher thundered residence the equaliser, roaring in celebration in entrance of the away followers to his proper.

Although the second half remained a largely quiet affair, there have been just a few probabilities for both facet. Ben Chilwell over the crossbar, whereas Nicolas Jackson additionally nodded huge. At the opposite finish, Petrovic made an outstanding cease to disclaim Matheus Franca’s tremendous effort.

But for all of Crystal Palace’s good work, they had been sucker-punched in damage time. It was a neat examine again from Cole Palmer for Gallagher, who then swept the ball into the underside left nook for his second of the night.

Sky Sports’ Gary Neville known as it ‘devastation for Palace’ on co-commentary, however there was extra capitulation to come back.

Crystal Palace threw everybody ahead within the hope of an equaliser, however they had been hit shortly on the break as Chelsea completed with a 3rd. It was a sensational run from Palmer, who unselfishly laid the ball off for Fernandez. He had loads of time to choose his spot earlier than rifling residence.

‘It was actually good from the supervisor’

Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher talking to Sky Sports:

“In the second half, the gaffer gave us extra construction of their half of the pitch to attempt to create extra probabilities.

“And having the two strikers to make more runs in behind to create more space which I think it did. It was really good from the manager and definitely helped us to play better.”

Pochettino: We have to be extra constant

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino talking to Sky Sports:

“We were flat in the first 45 minutes, very disappointing. We need to react to the game. We need to avoid that and start a game like this so flat. Maybe there was a foul when we conceded.

“We began the second half rather well and we scored. It was a tricky sport however I’m so happy.

“We just want to build our confidence and realise we need to be more consistent. We used two strikers in between the centre-back and the full-back. We put Gusto and Chilwell higher and moved the ball quicker with Enzo in a number 10 role. It helped us score.”

Hodgson: Fans have to be real looking

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