Two goals in stoppage time: Chelsea beats Crystal Palace

Going from 0-1 to 3-1: Chelsea scored early and late in the second half at Crystal Palace.
Media images IMAGO/PRiME

Chelsea were the team that started with more possession and attacking momentum at Selhurst Park, but it was not as the Blues gained momentum from their convincing 3-1 win over Aston Villa in the FA Cup. They didn't have that. Coach Mauricio Pochettino's team had the upper hand by the host team, which started the match cautiously, but lacked dynamism and creativity.

Palace looked at this for a few minutes and then began to put a simple approach into practice: expect the opposition to be compact from the halfway line, force the ball into a winner every now and then – and quickly counter the Blues' high side. At least create this danger, which on the other hand did not exist at all.

In general, Chelsea behaved very calmly, even in the 30th minute. After a cross from former Mainz player Mateta was blocked, the visitors hesitated and failed to clear the ball, which Eagles debutant Lerma curled beautifully high into the far corner from 25 metres. The lead was not undeserved, as the eye-catching Mateta actually had a good chance (23rd). The visitors did not score anything similar except through Gallagher in stoppage time (45 + 1).

However, Pochettino's half-time speech seemed to have an impact: Chelsea came out of the dressing room more dynamic and surprised their opponents. Giusto crossed from the right after an exchange, and Gallagher – previously wearing an Eagles shirt – ran down the middle and equalized relatively unhindered (47'). Lightning start.

Then there was more pace and more movement in the final third. Chelsea were setting the tone and now managing the ball more decisively. As a result, the chances of counterattacks were lower for Palace. Mattita suffered a rare injury, and Thiago Silva was fouled and injured in the process (59th).

The Blues were closer to victory. Palmer became more active, and Chilwell tried from distance (68th). By coincidence, Matthews Franca intervened from the other side with a powerful shot (78), otherwise the goal was almost only from one side. In front of Eagles goalkeeper Henderson.

Palace tried to prove otherwise in the final minutes, opening up the space that Palmer had exploited in the first place. He set two late goals for Gallagher (90+1) and Fernandes (90+4) clearly, which in the end allowed Chelsea to deservedly leave the field crowned with the English Premier League title.