The clash between Crystal Palace and Chelsea on a chilly Saturday afternoon was a spectacle that showcased the true essence of English football. The match, which ended with a 3-1 victory for Chelsea, was a testament to their dominance and resilience.
From the first whistle, it was evident that Chelsea meant business. Their attacking prowess was on full display as they relentlessly pressed forward, creating numerous scoring opportunities. It didn't take long for their efforts to bear fruit when Kai Havertz found the back of the net in the 8th minute, setting the tone for what would be an exhilarating encounter.
Chelsea went into the break 1-0 down after Jefferson Lerma's wondergoal in the first half, but Gallagher scored just a minute into the second half and then a 91st minute winner to break Palace's resolve. Enzo Fernández added a third in the 94th minute of the match as Chelsea came away from Selhurst Park with three points.
Gallagher's first saw him finish well off a Malo Gusto cross, while for the second he slotted home neatly from the edge of the box to give Chelsea the win.
"I think he's a player with a great commitment to the team, always trying to compensate every single situation," Pochettino said of Gallagher. "It's priceless to have a player like him. I'm so happy for him as it's a victory we needed."
Gallagher was linked with a move away from Chelsea in the January transfer window but he stayed put. With his contract up at the end of next season, Gallagher's long-term future is uncertain, but Pochettino says Gallagher never entertained any thought of moving away from the club last month.
The Eagles made a bright start in front of the Selhurst faithful. Jordan Ayew tested Djordje Petrovic’s handling in the Chelsea goal after five minutes with a sharp turn and strike from distance, before Chris Richards got on the end of a lofted free-kick from Will Hughes, but could not direct his header – back-to-goal – on target.
While the visitors enjoyed the greater possession in the early stages, Palace had the better penetration on the counter – França’s curling through ball was not far from setting Jean-Philippe Mateta in on goal, but was marginally overhit.
Jake Stephen hit six triples in the game and finished with a team-high 31 points.
Joey Cabana added 22 points and Drew Blanton nine, while Regan Plank and Hayden Long scored four each.
The Bulldogs then took down Jackson 63-50 Friday night.
The game was tied at 28 at the half, but the Bulldogs would pull away in the third period.
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