Conor Gallagher and Enzo Fernandez’s late goals provide relief for Mauricio Pochettino from mounting pressure.
In a thrilling Premier League clash at Selhurst Park, Conor Gallagher emerged as the hero for Chelsea, leading his team to a 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace. The match, which took place on February 12, 2024, saw Gallagher’s late goals seal the win for the Blues.
The game started with a subdued Chelsea struggling to break down a well-organised Palace side. Roy Hodgson’s team, playing predominantly on the counter-attack, caused plenty of problems for the visitors. Despite Chelsea’s efforts, it was Palace who took the lead with Jefferson Lerma’s stunning long-range strike.
However, the second half brought a change in fortunes for Chelsea. After a brief delay at half-time to fix referee Michael Oliver’s technical equipment, the Blues equalised moments after the restart. Gallagher, left unmarked in the box, finished with precision to bring his team level.
As the match approached its conclusion, Chelsea seized a rare opportunity to catch Palace off guard. Cole Palmer found Gallagher on the edge of the box, and the young midfielder made no mistake in drilling home his second goal. With the Palace fans streaming for the exit, Chelsea added insult to injury as Enzo Fernandez calmly converted at the end of another late counter.
This crucial victory propels Chelsea into the top half of the Premier League table. Meanwhile, Palace remains in 15th place, with a five-point cushion above the relegation zone.