Conor Gallagher’s double and Enzo Fernandez’s late third helped Chelsea to a 3-1 win against Crystal Palace on Monday Night Football.
The weight of anticipation weighed heavily on both sides heading into the game. Could Chelsea find consistency after a fine performance from midweek against Aston Villa? How would under-pressure Crystal Palace fare without three of their best players in Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise and Marc Guehi?
The Eagles were by far the better in the first half. They outshot Chelsea six to one, and made it count too as Lerma volleyed home a sensational effort to see Crystal Palace ahead on the half-hour.
But Chelsea improved after the break and it was another superb goal inside 90 seconds of the restart that saw them level, this time from former Crystal Palace loanee Gallagher.
The game looked to be meandering towards a draw – but two late goals from Gallagher (90+1) and Fernandez (90+4) saw Chelsea to the three points.
It sees Chelsea into the top 10 above Wolves with 34 points. Crystal Palace, meanwhile, remain five points above the relegation zone.
More to follow…
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Conor Gallagher equalised for Chelsea just two minutes into the second half
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Conor Gallagher scores his second of the match in stoppage time at Selhurst Park
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Enzo Fernandez scores Chelsea’s third goal of the match to complete the comeback at Selhurst Park
What’s next?
Both Crystal Palace and Chelsea are back on Sky Sports next weekend.
Monday 19th February 6:30pm
Kick off 8:00pm
Crystal Palace return to Monday Night Football on February 19 as they travel to Everton; kick-off 8pm. Chelsea will feature on Saturday Night Football on February 17 as they visit Man City; kick-off 5.30pm.
Saturday 17th February 5:00pm
Kick off 5:30pm
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