The crucial strikes from Conor Gallagher and the final blow by Enzo Fernandez ensured that Chelsea made a dramatic claim, and emerged as deserving winners with a 3-1 victory at Selhurst Park. Throughout most of the competition, Chelsea maintained their dominance, but they fell behind early when Jefferson Lerma scored an unstoppable shot from 25 yards out.
In Short
Chelsea needed to react in the second half, and they did so promptly as Malo Gusto’s cross found Gallagher’s excellent header to bring Chelsea level and inject pace into their game.
It seemed like Chelsea might be resigned to their efforts to find the winner, but as the clock struck the 90th minute, Cole Palmer challenged Gallagher and sent the ball home from the edge of the box.
Then Enzo Fernandez capped off a solid breakaway with an excellent finish to secure a hard-fought victory for Mauricio Pochettino’s team.
Enzo’s Goal
🚨🏴 GOAL | Chelsea 3-1 Crystal Palace | Enzo Fernandez
— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) February 12, 2024
ENZO FERNANDEZ MAKES IT THREE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!pic.twitter.com/DktZMfMEiO
Slow Start
Chelsea, starting their FA Cup-winning journey at Aston Villa, made just one change to the team: Thiago Silva replaced the injured Benoit Badiashile in defense. The Blues showed the same composure on the ball that had served them well at Villa Park, maintaining control in the early stages.
Also Read : “Chelsea’s FA Cup Triumph Eases Pochettino Pressure: Aston Villa Routed”
However, it was Petkovic who had to be alert for the first time, as the Serbian international quickly reacted to Jean-Philippe Mateta’s weak attempt after an impressive pass from Malo Gusto was intercepted.
On the other end, Chelsea sought a breakthrough through the Palace backline, with Ben Chilwell dangerously entering the box, but his crucial moment slipped away as he stumbled and the opportunity faded.
A Palace Stunner
Despite the limited threat of goals from both sides, Palace secured a crucial success just before halftime. Lerma intercepted the ball near the Chelsea box, and with a cruel drive, he stunned the Blues to silence. Unfortunately for Petkovic, there was no chance to save.
Chelsea maintained control of the ball until the end of the first half and created a big chance just before the break, as Gallagher entered the box and missed a shot that went wide, indicating that we were behind at halftime.
Also Read : “Scott McTominay’s Clutch Performance Propels Manchester United to Victory: Aston Villa 1-2 United”
Back on Terms
Pochettino introduced Christopher Nkunku at halftime and received an immediate response from his players for their lackluster first-half performance.
As the classic “Three Little Birds” anthem echoed around Stamford Bridge, crucial equalizing seemed imminent. Perhaps, every small thing was falling into place for the Blues.
It was a superb pass from Moises Caicedo that broke through the Palace backline, and his weighted through ball was finished off by Gallagher, who once again attacked his former loan club.
🚨🏴 GOAL | Chelsea 2-1 Crystal Palace | Gallagher
— NA GOD 🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬 (@OLUWAREUBEN) February 12, 2024
GALLAGHER HAS GIVEN CHELSEA THE LEAD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/H97HKzLXXB
The goal set the stage for an intense finish, with Pochettino’s team pushing the hosts back, and Palmer almost etched his name on the scoresheet with a shot that rattled the post.
Late Drama
Palace posed their biggest threat on the counter, and Chelsea was left trembling when Mathias Franka made an excellent pass to Mateta after breaking our defense. However, Thiago Silva intervened to block, but got injured in the process, making way for the immediate return of Levi Colwill.
The Blues kept pushing forward, almost rewarding Caicedo’s daring play when Chilwell attempted a crossbar shot. After a clever cross from Gallagher, Nicholas Jackson directed his header just wide, starting to control the midfield.
Petkovic still had work to do, and Chelsea’s goalkeeper put on a good performance to deal with another quick Palace break, saving well from Franka’s powerful shot.
Last-minute Drama
Chelsea continued to create chances, and what looked crucial was thwarted by Reece Sterling’s presence. Palmer found Sterling, but his effort from inside the box was blocked. Then a header from Henderson was denied by Sterling.
It seemed like Palace might snatch the win, but they didn’t count on Gallagher, who surged forward with a less-than-convincing effort during the injury time, defeating Henderson and sparking wild celebrations in the distance.
Up Next For Chelsea
Chelsea’s travel to the Etihad Stadium to play Manchester City on Saturday at 5:30 PM marks their return to Premier League action.
