Chelsea VS Crystal Palace
Chelsea with a formidable play had their second win of the season over Crystal Palace after Graham Potter earned his first three points as Chelsea boss against the Eagles. As the Premier League is reaching an interesting phase, Chelsea showed a display of their game in this match with a score of 1-0.
The Blues enter the clash with just one win in nine Premier League games as they welcome the Eagles to west London. Graham Potter saw his first win as Chelsea boss come against Patrick Vieira’s men and he will be keen to quickly add another.
Conor Gallagher’s 90th minute winner earned the Blues three points at Selhurst Park, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang recorded his first Chelsea goal. Neither have been in favour in recent weeks, although they will be ready for facing other challenges despite injuries.
The Eagles come into the game with just one win in their last four Premier League matches having been defeated 4-0 by Tottenham in their last fixture. Like Chelsea, their last victory was a 2-0 win over Bournemouth. Stamford Bridge paid its respect to former player and manager in first home match since the Italian’s passing and it was a thumping header that our former nine would have been proud of that settled the contest.
Havertz desicive goal on second Half
Kai Havertz was the match-winner, rising highest in the air 65 minutes into a deadlocked London derby to head in Hakim Ziyech’s delivery. The Blues were also indebted to a string of important saves from Kepa Arrizabalaga, the most important of which came late on to deny Cheick Doucoure. The victory ends a run of three consecutive defeats and the good news was added to further with confirmation during the match that Mykhailo Mudryk’s signing from Shakhtar Donetsk had been completed.
Prior to kick-off in first match at Stamford Bridge since the death of Gianluca Vialli, tributes were paid to legendary former player and manager by those who had played with him, been coached by him or simply just adored him from the stands.
With Lewis Hall and Hakim Ziyech providing width across the pitch, Chelsea started with intent and were soon venturing into the Palace penalty area. Our teenage full-back led the charge, driving forward down the inside-left channel before firing a ball into the six-yard box that was expertly watched and cleared by Joachim Andersen.
Chelsea fans tribute to Gianluca Vialli
On this Occasionally emotional day at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea as a football club pay their tributes to the great Gianluca Vialli. Gianluca Vialli (9 July 1964 – 6 January 2023) was an Italian football player and manager who played as a striker. Vialli started his club career at his hometown club Cremonese in 1980, where he made 105 league appearances and scored 23 goals. His performances impressed Sampdoria who signed him in 1984, and with whom he scored 85 league goals, won three Italian cups, Serie A and the European Cup Winners Cup
Down the other end, the Eagles fashioned opportunities of their own and Kepa Arrizabalaga had to be quick off his line to head clear before the Spaniard thwarted Michael Olise with a flying save to push away a rising strike on the half-volley. In between those efforts, Tyrick Mitchell was also denied by a spreadeagled Kepa save.
Both goalkeepers were worked before the interval, with Gallagher again making good progress down the right before firing in a low centre. Havertz narrowly missed making contact and the ball went through to Hall, who returned back where it had come but shot wide of the far post.
Kepa then pushed over a powerful header from Schlupp before Guiata did similar for Palace as Chelsea quickly broke forward, with Gallagher’s cross cut out and Ziyech’s rising strike helped over the crossbar.
During the half-time break, a new face was introduced to the crowd as Mudryk met the fans shortly after completing a transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk. Draped in the flag of Ukraine, the 22-year-old was afforded a warm welcome before returning to the stands to watch the remainder of the match.
