On that note … I will bid you farewell.
Here is Ed Aarons’ report.
Updated
Conor Gallagher: “It was a tough win. First half we weren’t good enough, so we had to stick together and stay positive.
“Manager told us to stay confident, be better and quicker on the ball because Palace are a tough team to break down. The early goal helped us settle down.
“The gaffer gave us more structure in their half to create chances. It was really good from the manager to help us play better in the second half.
“When we scored early in the second half, we thought we had to go on and win it but as the game went longer and longer, you don’t know. I started cramping up but we got their in the end and Enzo added another.”
90+ - Conor Gallagher is the first Chelsea player to score a 90th minute winner in the Premier League since Conor Gallagher vs Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in October 2022. Déjà-vu. pic.twitter.com/QGBJFwsFA2
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 12, 2024
Nicolas Jackson was booked for celebrating the second goal. By that I mean he ran from the dugout across the pitch.
Palace fall to a 13th straight defeat against Chelsea and it just had to be Conor Gallagher who made it happen. Massive sucker punch for Roy Hodgson ...
— Ed Aarons (@ed_aarons) February 12, 2024
Pochettino learned a valuable lesson tonight: never play Cole Palmer as a centre forward. It did not work at all in first half.
I would say in Hodgson’s defence that the squad available to him looks pretty subpar. I suspect some would argue his introduction of Olise last week caused his injury issue. On the upside, Munoz and Wharton look decent.
Full time: Crystal Palace 1-3 Chelsea
All the drama was in second-half injury-time in the end. Chelsea were very good in the second half and Palace did not really have an answer and ran out of steam. More pressure on Hodgson but some respite for Pochettino.
Updated
GOAL! Crystal Palace 1-3 Chelsea (Fernandez, 90+4)
Another break, another Palmer assist. A neat finish from Fernandez.
Updated
90+3 mins: No goals in the league this season prior today for Gallagher. Not a bad way to kick things off.
One minute more to go but we could have extra added.
90+1 mins: Sterling sends the ball down the wing for Palmer, who cuts back and picks out Gallagher on the edge of the box from where he sweeps the ball home.
GOAL! Crystal Palace 1-2 Chelsea (Gallagher, 90+1)
Chelsea break and Gallagher finishes the move off against his former club.
Updated
90 mins: Sterling lifts in a cross for Disasi but he heads straight at Henderson.
88 mins: Colwill looks a little uncomfortable after the Mateta incident. The striker then wins a free-kick on the halfway line. Mateta has done a decent job tonight with little to work with.
86 mins: Ahamada sends the ball through for Mateta to chase but he is adjudged to have tripped Colwill and a free-kick is given against the Palace striker.
Edouard – on for Franca – drives into the box but he takes the ball too far and his shot is pretty weak in the end.
Updated
84 mins: Palmer takes a smart pass to Sterling inside the box but he can’t get the ball out of his feet quick enough and his shot is blocked.
82 mins: Chelsea are very much on top here … Palace fans are willing their players on for the final stages.
80 mins: Munoz is cautioned for giving Chilwell a palm to the face. Chelsea have a free-kick to the left of the box. Chilwell whips it in and the ball is cleared to Palmer on the edge on the box but he sees his shot blocked.
78 mins: Palmer collects a loose ball and makes his way into the box but his low shot is straight at Henderson.
Subs! Ahamada on for Hughes, Sterling on for Jackson.
76 mins: Franca gets the ball around 30 yards from goal and darts towards the box, eventually taking aim from the edge of the area but Petrovic gets down well to his right to repel a wicked shot.
Palace have readied two subs but they are jogging down the touchline in bibs still.
75 mins: Robert Speed suggests: “No, Lerma would have thought twice and chosen not to abuse the ref. It’s bemusing how often critics of rules deemed harsh won’t acknowledge the effect of deterrence.”
I’ve no issue with him being punished but sin-binning is a bad idea, in my opinion.
74 mins: Franca takes Palace up the pitch but the attacks breaks down on the edge of the box.
72 mins: Chelsea are on the front foot here. I would say Palace need to make a change or two but their bench looks pretty weak. Edouard for Mateta might be an option.
Another Chelsea cross goes into the box but Andersen clears by clambering on top of Nkunku. Chelsea fancy a pen but it ain’t happening.
Updated
70 mins: Gallagher lifts a cross towards the penalty spot to Jackson who flicks his header wide.
Lerma is booked for dissent. In a mad world, he would be trudging off to sit down for 10 minutes now.
68 mins: Chilwell takes aim from the edge of the box but his shot is always rising.
“Skipping this game to watch new Curb,” Eden Tal says. “I think there’s a lot of Larry David in the later years of Roy Hodgson. He really doesn’t care what other people think anymore.”
I am not sure my blog can compete with Larry.
67 mins: Gusto’s been Chelsea’s best player, just in case you were wondering.
66 mins: Palmer slides a pass down the side of Richards for Jackson to chase bu the centre-back does well to put the ball behind for a corner.
Chilwell swings it in but Palace clear, only for Franca to give the ball back on the edge of his own box. Gusto’s cross, however, is cleared once more.
64 mins: Palace are currently giving as good as they get to push back Chelsea. This could turn into a game.
Updated
62 mins: The resulting corner reaches Lerma at the back post bit but he heads across goal and wide.
61 mins: If Thiago Silva does have a groin strain, his wife will be even angrier with Pochettino.
60 mins: I would accept sin-binning for any player who commits a foul throw.
Mateta gets into the box to receive a pass from Franca. The striker takes a shot from a tight angle which is blocked by Silva but I think he has done his groin in the process. Colwill preparing to come on.
Updated
58 mins: With Olise and Eze either side of Mateta tonight, Chelsea would have been in real trouble.
Gusto takes a dreadful foul throw but Oliver gives nothing.
56 mins: Hughes lifts a pass into the box for Lerma but his midfield colleague is not expecting it and fails to control the ball.
53 mins: “My answer to Dave Watton...no one knows,” says Brendan Large re Enzo. “He has had one good game for Chelsea, and that was the last game against Villa. He ran the midfield and scored a quite sublime free-kick. In all the other games for Chelsea (including this) he has not looked like a player of the £16m level, let alone £106m.”
51 mins: Gallagher whips in a corner to the front post, which is flicked on by Thiago Silva but Lerma is there it clear just in front of his own goal.
Chelsea come back at Palace through Gusto, who passes to Palmer, allowing the former City man to cut in and take a shot at goal but he drags it wide.
49 mins: Palace need to lift themselves once more after a promising first half. Chelsea are enjoying all the possession once more.
GOAL! Crystal Palace 1-1 Chelsea (Gallagher, 47)
That is better from Chelsea. Gusto gets down the right and sends in a fine cross, which Gallagher whacks in from 10 yards.
Updated
Second half
We eventually restart.
Oliver seems to be connected with everyone he needs to be. He gets a big cheer from the fans.
Pochettino goes for a chat with Michael Oliver. Maybe he has a spare screwdriver.
“Is Enzo Fernandez actually any good?” asks Dave Watton. “I struggle to see it, struggle to see him impacting games with stardust or dominating matches, but also struggle to judge the player without considering the price tag. Of all the Fernandezes in the Premier League he’s not the one who looks like a £100m player.”
The players are knocking it about among themselves while Oliver and a tech man attempt to sort the matter behind the dugouts. Ben Chilwell has gone over for a chat with the referee.
“For me it’s a foul on Caicedo by Lerma on the goal,” says Justin Madson. “The way the announcers are talking though, the quality of the goal means that doesn’t matter? Chalk one more up for refereeing/VAR insanity.
“I am not sure what Poch instructs his front line players to do, as all the game plan seems to be is stand in line with the defense and look wistfully back for a potential ball in. No runs, standing around, not finding space to occupy. Nothing to try to get defenders to move.
“Also, not to worry Brenden Large. Liverpool will be taking Xabi Alonso from Leverkusen - though Potter is still available if that falls through.”
I didn’t think it was a foul, personally.
There is a bit of a delay while Michael Oliver has his tech sorted.
Nkunku is coming on for Chelsea, Madueke off.
“It’s a breath of fresh air actually having someone on the pundits’ panel who knows about goalkeeping,” says Andy Flintoff. “It’s really frustrating hearing outfielders, who have barely played the position outside of a few minutes at training - if that - prattle on about something they know little about.
Petr Cech is being very interesting on Sky about goalkeeping and how Petrovic’s style counted against him on the goal.
“God I hope that Hodgson is the one under most pressure, because I can’t see how Chelsea could get in a better manager,” says Brendan Large. “I know Liverpool fans who would be more than happy to take Pochettino if Chelsea get rid, that should give a good indicator.
“Also which manager (apart from Mourinho) would take the job? The team barely know each other’s names at this stage and the ones being pushed out the door are those that have been there longest and have the biggest affinity with the club. It is a sh*t show and no mistake. The only way for this to have any chance is to give Poch time...I still think they would be in a much better place now if they’d let Potter have more time.”
“Having been at (and stayed to the end of) West Ham’s game yesterday I’m quite enjoying watching a side have 80% possession and be even less effective than us yesterday.”
Kudos to you, Ian Sargeant.
BLUE CARDS!
What should Chelsea do to change things? I would take off Fernandez, bring on Sterling and put Jackson down the middle with Palmer as a No 10.
Does Pochettino agree? Almost certainly not.
Half-time: Crystal Palace 1-0 Chelsea
It’s been a funny 45 minutes. Chelsea have enjoyed a lot of the ball but done next to nothing with it and have been punished by Lerma’s fine strike. Palace actually look the more effective in the final third.
Updated
45+2 mins: “Thanks to Peter Pearson (no relation, AFAIK) for the zacusa and zurek rabbit holes,” says Joe Pearson. “I might attempt the former, although I am not a huge eggplant fan, but the latter seems a bit beyond my level of adventurousness. I mean, fermented rye flour starter? I don’t think so.
45+1 mins: I am starting to think Chelsea need to make a change of two at the break.
45 mins: Gallagher has a decent chance inside the box but drags his shot just wide.
Three minutes added on.
44 mins: Gusto sends in another decent cross but Andersen is in the way and Palace clear.
42 mins: Mateta slips the ball into the box for Munoz. The full-back goes over under pressure from Silva but the referee does not award anything. VAR takes a look, too, but is not interested.
Palace then have another counter, led by Franca who does his best to get into the box but is held on the edge. The Brazilian certainly looks a lively prospect.
40 mins: Fernandez keeps passing to no one in particular and it is not going well for Chelsea.
38 mins: Petrovic legs it out of his area to reach a long ball over the top but he is beaten to it by his own defender. I am not sure it was the goalkeeper’s ball to go for anyway. Chelsea’s nerves are showing.
36 mins: I thought with so much possession early on, it would help build Chelsea’s confidence but they have been impressively meek.
34 mins: Caicedo is down and giving his knee a good rub.
Rose emails: “That’s what is infuriatingly called Cambridge Blue Will, which is in fact, duck egg green. Perhaps with a hint of melted mint choc chip. Apt, given Chelsea’s attack is as much use as a Cornetto left in the sun.”
Officially, according to Chelsea, it is ‘Eton blue’.
32 mins: Not a bad way to open your account for a club. Chelsea really failed to deal with the Palace attack there. They had numerous attempts to clear the ball and messed it up.
Peter Pearson emails: “Hi Will, great podcast today. My recent food revelation has been ajvar, or zacusa in Romanian according to the internet. It’s a pepper and eggplant spread. There’s a spot here in NYC that makes a mortadella sandwich with ajvar spread that is out of this world. Also this time of year it’s always nice to have a bowl of Polish zurek.”
We have plenty of said spread in the fridge.
30 mins: Lerma picks up a loose ball around 25 yards from goal, gets it out of his feet and pings it into the top corner. What a goal!
Updated
GOAL! Crystal Palace 1-0 Chelsea (Lerma, 30)
SHIT! DID YOU SEE THAT?!!
28 mins: Fernandez splits the Palace defence. The only problem being that no one in a pale blue (?) shirt is anywhere near the ball when he does.
26 mins: Madueke makes his way into the box but then turns around and sends the ball back 30 yards. It’s all a bit of a struggle.
Our man at the match …
Adam Wharton has been impressive so far for Palace. A lovely outside of the boot pass just now. He looks very assured
— Ed Aarons (@ed_aarons) February 12, 2024
24 mins: Hughes wins the ball just outside the Chelsea box and gets it to Mateta, who drives into the area but his powerful shot is straight at Petrovic.
Gary Neville reckons Palace have realised that Chelsea are pretty mediocre.
22 mins: Despite having complete control of the ball, Chelsea are yet to produce a shot, which is a concern.
20 mins: Gallagher whips in a corner which bounces before anyone can get a touch on it and Palace manage to clear.
18 mins: The stats say Chelsea have had the ball for four fifths of the match thus far. That is pretty dominant.
Palace do their best to counter but the pass from Franca has too much on it and Mateta cannot catch it.
Updated
16 mins: Most of Chelsea’s attacks are coming down their right. Gusto goes on the overlap once more but his cross is collected by Henderson with limited fuss.
One Chelsea issue is that natural striker Jackson is on the left and Palmer down the middle. Palmer is less of a threat in the six-yard box, I would argue.
14 mins: Chelsea are trying to force the issue down their right-hand side but Mitchell copes well with Madueke.
12 mins: Hughes is too quick for Fernandez and the midfielder clips him, giving Palace a free-kick in a dangerous possession on the right. Hughes to take … and it is tamely flicked wide by Richards.
10 mins: Palace’s plan seems to involve being quite direct and turning Thiago Silva around because he is pretty old. It could work.
Palace enjoy a slick move, sending the ball out to Ayew on the right but his cross is met by no one, possibly because Mateta is too slow to react to it.
8 mins: Chelsea are still having all the possession and Palace are not particularly eager with their press.
“Mr Unwin,” says a very formal Jon Rendall. “As a Palace fan, I am trepidatious regarding tonights outcome. The clouds above Selhurst suggest we’re in for a pumping. Tell me it won’t be so...
“Enjoy your insight on Football Weekly. Genuinely.”
*Blushes*. The signs are, sadly, ominous, Jon.
6 mins: Palace have a free-kick! It is lumped up the pitch and they manage a couple of touches before Ayew swipes a low shot from 20 yards but it is straight at the goalkeeper.
4 mins: Franca is done by Madueke’s quick feet and fouls him midway inside the Palace half. The free-kick is taken quickly to Gusto down the right but his cross goes over everyone. We are still waiting for Palace to touch the ball …
“I see a bowling analogy in this match,” Peter Oh has gone out on a limb. “Palace are the pins (made of Crystal). Chelsea are the (Boehly-ng) ball.
“Time will tell if the ball will produce a smashing strike, or a sorry gutter ball. You just can’t tell from Chelsea’s form.”
2 mins: Chelsea have had every touch so far tonight. Palace look happy to give them the ball. I am not sure the home fans will feel the same.
Richard Hirst says: “As a Fulham supporter I would normally be fervently anti-Chelsea and in favour of the Blessed Roy, but I don’t feel safe yet, despite three points on Saturday, so unfortunately it has to be the blues tonight.”
Updated
1 min: Dave Bryant emails: “Regarding the pic at the top of the blog, is tonight’s game in Mordor?”
*Googles ‘Mordor’* … yes.
Updated
Kick off
Peep! Peep! Peep! Here we go!
Here come the teams!
Updated
“While being no great fan of Uncle Roy I do feel some sympathy for him. Palace have one of the weakest squads in the league,” says Paul Rowe. “Remove Eze and Olise and it’s very Championship in midfield and up top. They haven’t had a decent right back for ages and if Guehi, Anderson or Mitchell are out there is nobody of Premier League standard to replace them.
“Of course they might still win if bad Chelsea are playing tonight...”
Joe Pearson emails: “Any good Romanian leftovers lately? I need ideas for new dishes.”
My mother-in-law was over for Christmas, leaving us with enough to feed a family for a month. I made a chicken, bacon and bean stew for dinner. No leftovers, alas.
I am debating what can be done for Pancake Day tomorrow …
Monday Night Football have Belfast Giants goaltender Petr Cech on. What a get.
Speaking of Baz, you can hear him alongside Max, John Brewin and little old me on Football Weekly.
Check out Mr Glendenning’s Football Daily on this very match.
Which manager is under more pressure that is the question? I will say Hodgson. I would argue the Palace squad is pretty uninspiring but maybe a more dynamic coach would help get the best out of the those available.
Updated
Thiago Silva starts for Chelsea. Jacob Steinberg looks at the really old centre-back (one of the few Premier League players more advanced in years than I).
Starting lineups
Crystal Palace: Henderson; Munoz, Andersen, Richards, Mitchell; Lerma, Hughes, Wharton; Franca, Ayew, Mateta.
Subs: Johnstone, Ward, Tomkins, Clyne, Schlupp, Riedewald, Ozoh, Ahamada, Edouard.
Chelsea: Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Silva, Chilwell; Fernandez, Caicedo, Gallagher; Palmer, Madueke, Jackson.
Subs: Bergstrom, Chalobah, Gilchrist, Colwill, Casadei, Chukwuemeka, Sterling, Mudryk, Nkunku.
Preamble
Hello!
It is one of many London derbies as Chelsea make the lengthy journey to Selhurst Park. As it is half-term this week, the travel time should be halved, which will be a relief to the poor old coach driver. Personally, I would just have taken the train from London Bridge to Norwood Junction and walked the rest, but footballers are all prima donnas nowadays so want to travel on a fancy coach with coffee-making facilities.
The two managers, Roy Hodgson and Mauricio Pochettino, are under pressure. Both sets of fans think their respective teams are not reaching their potential. Hodgson is the more likely to receive the chop first but it would seem Palace’s top bosses do not know who would replace him in the dugout. They start the night in 15th place but have not lost in their past three home games, which should give them a little confidence.
Chelsea are still an enigma. Their expensive recruitment policy is yet to show its worth. A whopping billion quid has been spent on a squad that sits 11th and has failed to convince for the majority of the season. On the upside, the Blues put in their best performance last time out when they gave Aston Villa a shooing on their own patch in the FA Cup but their last Premier League outing was a miserable 4-2 home defeat to Wolves.
It certainly should be interesting!
Kick-off: 8pm GMT
