Chelsea’s victory over Crystal Palace by a score of 2-1 on Wednesday was highlighted by the performance of CONOR GALLAGHER.
While Mauricio Pochettino’s team was able to pull off a late victory at Stamford Bridge, the midfielder took great pleasure in playing a new role for the team.
5Conor Gallagher shined as Chelsea beat Crystal Palace at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty
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The Blues had two players, Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke, who scored goals for them either before or after Michael Olise scored the equalizer.
However, Romeo Lavia, who had been signed throughout the summer, appeared to be rusty when he made his long-awaited debut.
The following is SunSport’s assessment of the individual performances of the Chelsea players.
Djordje Petrovic – 7
Looked a little nervous early on, colliding with team-mate Alex Disasi. Good save after the break to deny Jean-Philippe Mateta and another from Michael Olise late on.
Malo Gusto – 7
Great double link up with Mykhailo Mudryk for the opening goal. Made crucial intervention in the other box straight after. Popped up all over the pitch.
Axel Disasi – 7
Contributed to the defense’s strong effort, which helped keep Palace at bay. As soon as Thiago Silva entered the game, I moved from the center of defense to the right back position.
6 points for Benoit Badiashile
During the early stages of the second half, Mateta spun and then outpaced the center back, which resulted in his goalkeeper turning him out. This display is not the most convincing one.
Levi Colwill – 5
Nodded off for the goal that made it 1-1 as Michael Olise gave him the slip at the back post. Olise had been at him from the first kick. First to be hooked.
Moises Caicedo – 6
Could have been booked early on for clattering Olise. Did it again early in the second period and was cautioned this time.
Conor Gallagher – 7
Acting skipper is revelling in his midfield enforcer role as well as play-making. Corners not so hot though. Set up Nicolas Jackson for what should have been a goal.
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Mykhailo Mudryk – 7
Great throughball for early chance for Ian Maatsen, took his first one superbly to open the scoring. Hurt in the second period and had to go off.
Christopher Nkunku – 5
Long-awaited first start for the summer signing from RB Leipzig. Might have had a pen before the break, though VAR probably got it right. Looked understandably rusty.
Ian Maatsen – 6
Lively down the right, Dutchman almost marked his first Blues start with an early goal. Caught in possession for the equaliser though.
Nicolas Jackson – 6
Missed great chance to make it 2-1 and then netted a much better one straight after that was ruled out for offside.
Subs
Thiago Silva (58, for Colwill) – 7
Veteran ended Colwill’s torment by coming off the bench.
Romeo Lavia (58, for Matsen) – 4
First sighting of the £58million summer signing. Should have been booked. Looked very rusty.
5Romeo Lavia looked rusty on his long-awaited Chelsea debutCredit: PA
Noni Madueke (71, for Nkunku) – 7
Won and converted the spot-kick that sealed it.
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Armando Broja (71, for Mudryk) – 4
Great touch but hurried finish for late miss.
Alfie Gilchrist (90, for Badiashile)
On to use up some stoppage-time.
