Premier League GW24 - Crystal Palace vs Chelsea

Crystal Palace vs Chelsea | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

A exciting Premier League matchup between Crystal Palace and Chelsea took place at Selhurst Park. The scene was set for an exciting match that would have spectators on the edge of their seats, with both teams looking for revenge after recent losses.

Crystal Palace:

Roy Hodgson is coming under growing criticism from certain Palace supporters following two disappointing losses and their most recent home game ending in a 3-2 triumph against Sheffield United. The Eagles' poor performance against the Gunners was followed by a 4-1 road loss against bitter rivals Brighton. Arsenal then destroyed the Eagles 5-0 before the Blades triumphed. The Premier League's 15th-place hosts from Selhurst Park are just five points above the relegation zone and eighteenth-place Everton.

Chelsea:

Like with Hodgson, concerns have begun to surface over Mauricio Pochettino's leadership as his team has lost two straight heartbreaking Premier League games. Chelsea lost 4-2 at Stamford Bridge against Wolves after being blasted 4-1 at Anfield against Liverpool at the end of January. The Blues enter this match ranked 11th in the league table. They partially made up for their midweek loss to Aston Villa in the FA Cup.

Line ups:

CRYSTAL PALACE (4-2-3-1): Dean Henderson; Daniel Munoz, Joachim Andersen, Chris Richards, Tyrick Mitchell; Adam Wharton, Jefferson Lerma; Jordan Ayew, Will Hughes, Matheus Franca; Jean-Philippe Mateta.

SUBSTITUTES: Sam Johnstone, Joel Ward, James Tomkins, Jeffrey Schlupp, Nathaniel Clyne, Odsonne Edouard, Naouirou Ahamada, Jairo Riedewald, David Ozoh.

CHELSEA (4-2-3-1): Djordje Petrovic; Malo Gusto, Axel Disasi, Thiago Silva, Ben Chilwell; Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo; Noni Madueke, Conor Gallagher, Nicolas Jackson; Cole Palmer.

SUBSTITUTES: Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, Trevoh Chalobah, Carney Chukwuemeka, Christopher Nkunku, Levi Colwill, Cesare Casadei, Alfie Gilchrist, Lucas Bergstrom.

Selhurst Park Stadium | Picture Credits: We are Palace

First Half: Lerma's Stunner Lights Up Selhurst Park:

Roy Hodgson's Crystal Palace looked to recover from recent setbacks, while Mauricio Pochettino's Chelsea tried to mount a comeback following two humiliating losses in a row. The Eagles took the lead in possession despite Chelsea's superiority. Jefferson Lerma struck with a captivating flick from 25 yards that veered into the top-right corner in the thirty-minute mark. A moment of genius that not only opened Lerma's Palace career account but also became the team's 1,000th goal in the Premier League.

Second Half: Chelsea's Response - Gallagher's First Premier League Goal

Chelsea was behind at the break, so early in the second half Pochettino's tactical changes paid off. After just two minutes, Conor Gallagher met the ball on a half-volley and guided it into the net with a precise cross from Malo Gusto. Gallagher's first Premier League goal of the year set off Chelsea's comeback, and their attacking play seemed more fluid all of a sudden.

The match became more open as the timer ran out and both teams stepped up their efforts to score the winning goal. Palace's heartbreak started in the final minutes. Cole Palmer was found on the right by Raheem Sterling's deft pass, and Palmer then set up Gallagher for his second. Gallagher crushed Palace hearts with a cool finish into the bottom-left corner.

Chelsea's late surge paid off as they took the lead in stoppage time in the fourth minute. Enzo Fernandez was set up by Cole Palmer, who started the break from inside his own half. The midfield player hit the top-left corner of the net with a fantastic strike after making a clean cut inside onto his right foot. As Chelsea completed a stunning comeback, the departing fans sent out a cheer.

Chelsea's Resilience Shines Through:

In a game characterised by spectacular goals, tactical changes, and last-minute heroics, Chelsea proved resilient and determined to win at Selhurst Park in an unforgettable comeback. With a brace from Conor Gallagher and a late goal from Enzo Fernandez, the Blues secured a vital victory that moved them up to 10th place with 34 points. Although Crystal Palace is still hurting from their fourth loss in as many games, the Premier League's unpredictable nature means that there will be more surprises in store for them in the games to come. Fans are excitedly awaiting this season's next exciting chapter as the drama continues.

Lerma scored a goal and gave Palace a 1-0 lead | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Gallagher's goal levelled the score to 1-1 | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Gallagher scored one more goal and gave Chelsea a 1-2 lead | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Fernandez's late goal sealed the victory for Chelsea | Picture Credits: Premier League Website