Last gasp penalty bags Blues three much-needed points

Chelsea 2-1 Crystal Palace

A last-gasp penalty gave Chelsea a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at the Bridge, wiping out the Christmas Eve disappointment of defeat at Wolves, and boosting confidence ahead of Saturday’s journey to Luton Town.

It silenced the frustrated booing that had started to ring around the stadium as fans made their feelings clear about the Blues’ eternal passing and possession game, which many feel is superseding goal-scoring in the team’s priority list.

Mauricio Pochettino responded to the jeers at catcalls, with the game seemingly stuck at 1-1 after Mykhail Mudryk had given Chelsea the lead on 14 minutes, with Malo Gusto’s diagonal run and pass splitting the Eagles’ defence.

Michael Olise, long coveted by Chelsea, levelled in first-half stoppage time, with his rapid control and quick feet beating keeper Djordje Petrovic.

Striker Nico Jackson thought he’d found a winner after 76 minutes, but VAR spotted an offside and ruled it out.

As the big-screen clock ticked towards 90, sub Noni Madueke was felled in the Palace area, and the penalty award was confirmed by VAR. Madueke recovered to take the kick and bag three much-needed points.

Chelsea have a congested January, although the absence of European action will help. Preston North End visit on Saturday 6 January in the FA Cup, while there are the two legs of the League Cup semi with Middlesbrough, plus Premier League clashes with Fulham and Liverpool.

All of which give the latest two debutants, Alfie Gilchrist and Romeo Lavia, introduced in the second half against Palace, more chances to shine.

Chelsea Women return to action against West Ham in the FA Cup on 14 January… a tie that is generating added interest after the Hammers signed Sam Kerr’s new fiancée, Kristie Mewis, from Gotham FC in the States.

If Mewis makes her debut for the Irons at Kingsmeadow, the midfielder will be tasked with stopping her partner from scoring!