C Palace 1 – 3 Chelsea

Conor Gallagher’s double and Enzo Fernandez’s late third helped Chelsea to a 3-1 win towards Crystal Palace on Monday Evening Soccer.

The burden of anticipation weighed closely on each side heading into the sport. Might Chelsea discover consistency after a superb efficiency from midweek towards Aston Villa? How would under-pressure 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 rely too as Lerma volleyed residence a sensational effort to see Crystal Palace forward on the half-hour.

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

The sport seemed to be meandering in direction of a draw – however two late objectives 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 possibilities. 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 possibilities rely 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 fantastically on the volley, rifling previous Petrovic’s outstretched hand.

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

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

Though the second half remained a largely quiet affair, there have been a couple of possibilities for both aspect. Ben Chilwell over the crossbar, whereas Nicolas Jackson additionally nodded large. On the different finish, Petrovic made an outstanding cease to disclaim Matheus Franca’s superb effort.

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

Sky Sports activities’ Gary Neville referred to 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 select his spot earlier than rifling residence.

‘It was actually good from the supervisor’

Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher talking to Sky Sports activities:

“Within the second half the gaffer gave us extra construction of their half of the pitch to try to create extra possibilities.

“And having the 2 strikers to make extra runs in behind to create more room which I feel it did. It was actually good from the supervisor and undoubtedly helped us to play higher.”

Opta stats – Chelsea beat Crystal Palace once more

• Chelsea have received every of their final 13 Premier League video games towards Crystal Palace, the joint longest profitable run for a aspect towards a particular opponent within the competitors’s historical past.
• Crystal Palace have conceded no less than as soon as in every of their final 13 Premier League video games, since a 2-0 win a Burnley in November, the joint longest ongoing run with no clear sheet within the competitors (Nottingham Forest additionally 13).
• Connor Gallagher’s opener for Chelsea was his first Premier League aim of the season from what was his twenty ninth try on aim – solely Tottenham’s Pedro Porro had extra pictures with out scoring (37) than Gallagher within the competitors this season earlier than his first aim tonight.

What’s subsequent?

Each Crystal Palace and Chelsea are again on Sky Sports activities subsequent weekend.

Monday nineteenth February 6:30pm


Kick off 8:00pm

Crystal Palace return to Monday Evening Soccer on February 19 as they journey to Everton; kick-off 8pm. Chelsea will characteristic on Saturday Evening Soccer on February 17 as they go to Man Metropolis; kick-off 5.30pm.

Saturday seventeenth February 5:00pm


Kick off 5:30pm

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