Late Madueke Penalty Seals Chelsea’s 2-1 Victory in London Derby

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Chelsea responded to their Christmas Eve defeat by securing a 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

Under the management of Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea fielded their youngest-ever starting lineup in the Premier League era, demonstrating improved confidence upon their return to home turf.

Despite Crystal Palace’s determined effort, they couldn’t overcome Chelsea’s dominance, extending their unfavorable record against the Blues.

The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as Crystal Palace almost grabbed an early lead when Ebere Eze’s low free-kick narrowly missed the target, leaving their fans momentarily celebrating a phantom goal. Ian Maatsen, an unexpected starter, came close to breaking the deadlock, but Tyrick Mitchell’s timely clearance kept the score level.

Chelsea, featuring the youngest starting lineup in their Premier League history, asserted themselves when Malo Gusto orchestrated a brilliant move with Christopher Nkunku, delivering a precise cross for Mykhailo Mudryk to slot home from close range. Mudryk, eager to double his tally, found himself through on goal after a clever back-heel from Nicolas Jackson, but Dean Henderson denied him with a sprawling save.

In a dynamic first half, Palace managed to draw level just before the break. Benoit Badiashile’s wayward clearance fell to Chris Richards, who set up Jordan Ayew for a cross that Michael Olise calmly converted at the far post, eluding Levi Colwill and Moises Caicedo.

The second half witnessed increased pressure from Palace, with Djordje Petrovic making a crucial save from Jean-Philippe Mateta. Chelsea had an opportunity to regain the lead when Conor Gallagher played in Jackson, but the Senegalese forward’s shot went wide, frustrating the home crowd.

A momentary sense of redemption for Jackson was short-lived when his apparent goal, following a deflected cross from Thiago Silva, was ruled offside. Meanwhile, Olise had two chances to score again, thwarted first by a well-timed block from Gusto and then a near-post save by Petrovic.

As the clock ticked into second-half stoppage time, Chelsea were awarded a penalty after a VAR review determined that Eze had fouled Noni Madueke. The winger stepped up to take the penalty and confidently dispatched it, sending Henderson the wrong way and securing a dramatic 2-1 victory for Chelsea.

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