Crystal Palace was defeated by Chelsea in the Premier League in the 89th minute thanks to a penalty kick taken from Stamford Bridge. Noni Madueke was a key contributor to Chelsea’s triumph.
The home team gained the lead in a manner that was entirely deserved in the thirteenth minute. The fullback sent the ball to Mykhailo Mudryk, who scored from close range after Malo Gusto had done an outstanding job of setting up the opportunity. On the other hand, Michael Olise scored an equaliser for Palace just before halftime by putting an effort into the bottom corner after intercepting a pass that was sent by Jordan Ayew.
Throughout the encounter, Chelsea created a number of opportunities, and it appeared like Mauricio Pochettino’s team would have to endure yet another match in a row of repercussions as a result of their inefficient finishing.
Nicolas Jackson believed he had scored when he converted a deep cross from Thiago Silva in the 77th minute, but the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) deemed the forward was only marginally offside.
However, in a tense comeback, Chelsea received the reprieve they required when the VAR identified Eberechi Eze as having fouled substitute Madueke just inside the penalty area. From that spot, the England Under-21 forward skillfully directed Palace keeper Dean Henderson away from goal.
Chelsea earned their victory, despite the fact that it appeared that wasteful finishing would be the Blues’ recurring motif for the remainder of the season.
Moments prior to their early goal, his team had the opportunity to take the lead when Ian Maatsen passed through on goal; however, his shot deflected off Henderson and was intercepted by Tyrick Mitchell.
Following Mudryk’s goal, the visitors persisted in posing the greater danger, as the Ukrainian forward compelled Henderson to make an acrobatic save, Christopher Nkunku missed from close range, and Jackson dragged another effort wide.
Even earlier, when Nkunku went down in the penalty area under duress from Chris Richards, they had a penalty shout, but the VAR upheld referee Michael Salisbury’s decision to dismiss Chelsea’s appeals.
In the second half, Henderson made a commendable save to block Nkunku’s cross, which was in the path of Jackson, and substitute Armando Broja missed the side netting.
With fifteen minutes remaining, Jackson squandered a magnificent opportunity when he broke through on goal but missed the target with his finish. This elevated Chelsea to tenth in the Premier League standings with their sixth victory of 2023 and their third consecutive victory at home.
Olise and Jean-Philippe Mateta both forced Chelsea custodian Djordje Petrovic to make excellent saves at the near post, while Eze’s free-kick went just wide.
Palace have experienced periods of optimism since their last triumph, one of which was a difficult draw against Manchester City in December. However, last-gasp, gut-wrenching losses have also occurred against Liverpool and, most recently, Chelsea.
Palace must immediately return to winning ways. They have gone eight league matches without a victory under Hodgson (D3 L5), their longest losing sequence since June and July 2020, when they lost eight games.