Late Madueke Penalty Rescues Chelsea, Deepens Palace Woes

Chelsea snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night, courtesy of a late penalty coolly converted by substitute Noni Madueke. The win eases the pressure on Pochettino’s young squad, while Palace’s misery continues with their 12th consecutive league defeat against the Blues, matching their worst-ever winless streak against any opponent.

Mudryk gave Chelsea the lead, but Olise’s equalizer just before halftime threatened to spoil the party. However, with just a minute remaining, Eze clumsily brought down Gallagher in the box, leaving Madueke to step up and send Edouard the wrong way from the penalty spot.

The win, secured on a knife’s edge, comes as a relief for Chelsea after conceding a league-high 59 goals in 2023, their worst calendar year ever in the Premier League. It’s also only the third time they’ve won a league game thanks to a penalty as late as the 89th minute, joining a select group alongside Chelsea legends Mark Stein and Jorginho.

For Palace, the result signifies a deepening crisis. Winless in their last eight league matches, the Eagles look increasingly adrift, having conceded in the 80th minute or later in six of their past eight games. Their current winless streak against Chelsea matches their eight-game drought under Roy Hodgson in 2020, raising concerns about Pochettino’s ability to turn things around.

Chelsea will travel to Luton Town at the weekend looking to end the year on a high, while Palace host local rivals Brentford in a Saturday derby clash desperately needing a change of fortunes.

Mimi Mefo Info