Chelsea 2 Crystal Palace 1
The omens were not good for Roy Hodgson’s side as they headed to Stamford Bridge for a London derby. Historically, their record against Chelsea was the worst of any Premier League side they had faced and The Eagles’ manager was already under pressure due to a poor run of form.
Mudryk’s pace was causing problems early on for the visitors and he slotted an inch perfect pass through the middle to Maatsen. The Chelsea midfielder got there before Henderson but the keeper got a slight touch, allowing Mitchell to clear the ball before going over the line.
Gusto was getting forward down the right, whenever the chance presented itself. He played a neat one-two with Nkunku on the edge of the box before crossing into the danger area. Mudryk was there to slot home and send Stamford Bridge wild.
The Ukrainian has struggled to find the form which led to The Blues spending the best part of £100m on him but Chelsea fans were hoping this was going to be the start of something special from the pacy wide man as they took the lead.
Credit: @ChelseaFC
Malo Gusto was the man to take all the plaudits as he showed his manager that he already had a ready-made replacement for Reece James at right back. His drag back to beat two Palace players on the halfway line was deserving of a goal itself.
Jackson then linked up well with Mudryk as he backheeled the ball into his path. As the winger continued into the box, a second goal seemed imminent. Henderson didn’t read the script though as he came off his line quickly to block the Ukrainian’s effort.
Some of Chelsea’s biggest problems then came back to haunt them as they failed to clear the ball, trying to play it out of defence. Ayew swung in a cross from the left to find an unmarked Olise at the back post. He controlled it on his chest before drilling the ball past Petrovic to equalise before the break.
As the home fans continued to get behind Pochettino’s side, Jackson was slotted in, with only the keeper to beat. He lifted his effort past Henderson but the ball went the wrong side of the post and a huge chance went begging for The Blues.
The hosts had created very little since the break but as a ball was clipped to the back post, the misfiring striker slotted home to lift the roof off Stamford Bridge. Sadly, VAR was to rule it out as Jackson was offside, making his move a little too early.
Crystal Palace had seemed in control and in little danger for huge parts of the second half. As they looked to clear a corner late on, Eze’s challenge on Madueke just inside the box, sent the attacker crashing to the turf.
Credit: @ChelseaFC
VAR reviewed it and after some time, sent the referee to the monitor. He did not take as long before changing his decision and pointing to the spot. Madueke stepped up and sent Henderson the wrong way as his goal sealed all three points for Pochettino’s side.
This result will paper over the cracks somewhat for The Blues but nevertheless was an important win. Maurico Pochettino has a lot to do with the squad before they turn the corner under his regime, but for the moment, it is points that matter most.
Roy Hodgson seemed displeased with the officials at the end of the game but while he can rue his luck, his side did not create enough during their spells of dominance. As a result, they left themselves open to the ultimate sucker punch at the end of the game.
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