Chelsea responded to their recent disappointing result with a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace in the Premier League. Mykhailo Mudryk opened the scoring in the 13th minute after latching onto Malo Gusto’s pass, but Michael Olise equalized in stoppage time of the first half. Despite Nicolas Jackson’s disallowed goal for being marginally offside, Noni Madueke secured the victory by winning and converting a penalty from Eberechi Eze.
The win propelled Chelsea into 10th place, lifting them above AFC Bournemouth. Let’s delve into the positives and negatives from the game.
Positive Takeaways:
It was encouraging for Chelsea to score early in the game, especially after being wasteful in their previous match. Mykhailo Mudryk shone as one of the players involved in the team’s exciting attacking play in the first half. Despite a disappointing second period, Chelsea displayed solidity in their defensive performance. Winning their final home match of 2023 was a significant achievement for the team.
Areas for Improvement:
Chelsea got off to a poor start in both halves, slowing down unnecessarily at times during their dominant spells. They conceded a late equalizer in the first half, and their attacking threat significantly diminished in the second half.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino’s Rating:
Pochettino showed promise in his approach, making crucial substitutions that paid off in the end. His side displayed an encouraging performance in the first half, although conceding late was a setback.
Player Ratings:
– Goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic looked confident with the ball at his feet. He made several crucial saves and held off Palace’s efforts in added time.
– Defender Malo Gusto was impressive in both his attacking and defensive play, contributing significantly to Chelsea’s performance.
– Midfielder Conor Gallagher received a mixed reception but showcased good defensive work, despite some shortcomings in his play on the ball.
– Forward Nicolas Jackson displayed moments of brilliance, despite some poor passes and touches throughout the game.
The substitutions introduced by Pochettino added composure and energy to the team, ultimately contributing to the late triumph over Crystal Palace.
In conclusion, Chelsea’s victory over Crystal Palace was a testament to their resilience and determination to bounce back from recent setbacks. While there are areas for improvement, the team displayed promising signs for the future. With the right strategies and continued determination, Chelsea can build on this victory to secure more positive results in the Premier League.
