Chelsea 2-1 Crystal Palace (27 Dec, 2023) Game Analysis

An 89th-minute penalty from substitute Noni Madueke earned Chelsea a hard-fought 2-1 home victory over Crystal Palace in a Premier League derby in London on Wednesday.

Madueke was brought down by Eberechi Eze and, after signaling for play, referee Michael Salisbury was called by VAR on screen where he signaled a foul.

Palace's Michael Olise had shown great skill when unmarked at the far post, palming away Jordan Ayew's pass and finishing deftly past Djordje Petrovic in first-half injury time.

The goal canceled out a 13th-minute strike from Chelsea striker Mykhailo Mudryk, who converted a low cross from Malo Gusto.

Mudryk looked lively during an energetic first-half display from the home side, but after the late goal and the half-time break, Chelsea appeared to lose momentum.

Crystal Palace's defense stifled attacks and Mauricio Pochettino's Chelsea were often reduced to passing triangles outside the opposition box, although a 76th-minute Nicolas Jackson goal was ruled out by VAR for off -game.

“Credit to Crystal Palace, they played some good stuff and were difficult to break down,” Madueke told Amazon Prime. “But it’s our merit too, we deserved it.”

Chelsea slipped into the top half of the table halfway through the season in 10th, while Palace, who have not won in the Premier League for eight games, remained in 15th place.