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– Conor Gallagher returned to Selhurst Park to haunt Crystal Palace with a stunning late winner to give Graham Potter a controversial first win as Chelsea boss.
– Substitute Gallagher, who impressed on loan at Palace last season, curled home a superb right-footed effort to snatch victory for Chelsea with his first goal for the club.
– Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also scored his first Chelsea goal on his Premier League return after Odsonne Edouard had poked Palace into an early lead.
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– However, there was controversy surrounding Aubameyang’s goal as it was set up by Thiago Silva, who Palace felt should have been sent off for a deliberate handball which denied Jordan Ayew a possible goalscoring opportunity.
– Gallagher, whose impressive form for Palace last season earned him his England debut, was introduced by Potter in the 76th minute for Kai Havertz.
– And with the game seemingly petering out for a draw, the 22-year-old midfielder nutmegged Jean-Philippe Mateta and sent a curling shot into Vicente Guaita’s top corner.
Gallagher's late stunner wins it! 😁@WhaleFinApp | #CryChe pic.twitter.com/aIjBKfGhL9
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 1, 2022
– However, while Gallagher returned to break Palace hearts, the Eagles’ supporters will likely direct their ire towards the officials following the decision not to send Silva off.
– Just after the half-hour mark, the Chelsea defender appeared to deliberately handle the ball after falling to the ground, denying Ayew a possible goalscoring opportunity.
– Referee Chris Kavanagh showed the Brazilian a yellow card, which was upheld following a VAR check, much to the dismay of Palace boss Patrick Vieira – who was booked for his protests – and his players.
– Palace’s sense of injustice deepened when Silva headed James’ long ball into the path of Aubameyang, who produced a smart finish on the half-volley to bring Chelsea level.
