Thanks to two goals scored in extra minutes, Chelsea defeated Crystal Palace 3-1 in round 24 of the Premier League on the evening of February 12.
Chelsea have won all 12 of their last Premier League meetings, with confidence from the past, coupled with the excitement of their impressive FA Cup win over Aston Villa, helping them start strongly despite playing away at Selhurst Park.
But, against Crystal Palace's tight defense, Chelsea failed to have a single shot on target despite making 420 passes in the first half. This has not happened in the Premier League since the 2003-2004 season.
Lerma's goal against Chelsea in round 24 of the Premier League on the evening of February 12. Photo: Reuters.
Mauricio Pochettino's side have struggled to break down opponents who play with a deep block and a tenacious defence this season. And when they have been relentless in their attacks, they have paid the price. In the 30th minute, Jefferson Lerma dribbled outside the penalty area and suddenly fired a powerful shot from 25 metres into the top corner, putting Crystal Palace ahead.
After the break, Chelsea had to change their personnel and playing style. Christopher Nkunku came on as a center forward, while Cole Palmer moved to the right wing.
While these adjustments had yet to take effect, the visitors found an equalizer. In the 47th minute, from a pass from right-back Malo Gusto, Conor Gallagher broke through and shot hard into the far corner, defeating goalkeeper Dean Henderson. Gallagher is no stranger to Crystal Palace, having played there on loan in the 2021-2022 season.
Gallagher scored the equalizer 1-1 for Chelsea. Photo: Reuters.
That wasn't the only mark he made on his return to Selhurst Park. In the first minute of stoppage time, Gallagher curled a cross into the bottom corner from Palmer to make it 2-1. It was the England midfielder's third goal in two games, having scored against Aston Villa a few days ago.
In the fourth minute of injury time, expensive midfielder Enzo Fernandez secured the victory for the visitors with a close-range finish. The result moved Chelsea up to 10th, with 34 points, but still 13 points behind the nearest team in the top four.
Gallagher's goal made it 2-1 against Crystal Palace. Photo: Reuters.
The double against Crystal Palace is expected to create a springboard for Gallagher's performance in the coming time. Photo: Reuters.
Chelsea travel to Man City this weekend, before playing Liverpool in the League Cup final and Leeds in the FA Cup. It will be a decisive two weeks for the London club's success or failure this season.
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