In a dominant display, Chelsea controlled the first half against Crystal Palace, but it was the latter who seized the lead. Jefferson Lerma capitalized on an opportunity at the edge of the area, firing the ball into the top corner in the 30th minute.

Despite Mauricio Pochettino’s side struggling to muster a shot until the 45th minute, Palace aimed to frustrate their opponents and secure a crucial win to widen the five-point gap to the relegation zone.

The second half saw a swift response from Chelsea, as Malo Gusto’s bouncing cross met Conor Gallagher, on loan at Palace in 2021-22. Gallagher smashed the ball past Dean Henderson, levelling the score just two minutes into the half.

Persistently pushing for a winner, Chelsea’s efforts paid off in stoppage time. Gallagher secured the victory with a neat first-time finish, followed by Enzo Fernandez’s composed finish at the near post, lifting Chelsea to 10th in the table.

Chelsea entered the match with momentum from an impressive FA Cup win at Aston Villa, making only one enforced change with Thiago Silva replacing the injured Benoit Badiashile.

Struggling to break down Palace in the first half despite possession dominance and completing 420 passes, Chelsea made halftime changes, enhancing their attacking fluency.

Christopher Nkunku’s introduction and Cole Palmer’s shift to the right proved effective. Palmer’s cross set up Gallagher’s second, a drilled finish into the bottom corner.

With three goals in two games, Gallagher aims to spark a run of form for himself and the team. Chelsea faces crucial fixtures against Manchester City, Liverpool, and Leeds in the coming weeks.

Crystal Palace, following a damaging defeat to Brighton, defended well initially, with Lerma’s strike their only chance in the first 45 minutes. Despite positive changes, conceding early in the second half undid their efforts.

Under increasing pressure, manager Roy Hodgson introduced January signings Adam Wharton and Matheus Franca for their first Premier League starts. Lerma’s impressive goal suggested success, but late goals for Chelsea intensified scrutiny on Hodgson’s future.

Supporters, displaying frustration with the club, questioned Hodgson’s future after the late goals secured the points for Chelsea. Hodgson, hopeful that fans consider the team’s challenges, emphasized the team’s commitment.

Crystal Palace remains 15th in the table, facing Everton next Monday and hosting Burnley afterwards.