Conor Gallagher refused to celebrate after netting the matching-winning goal in Chelsea's 2-1 win over former side Crystal Palace. The 22-year-old, who enjoyed a season-long loan at Selhurst Park last term, found the top-right corner with a curling effort that looped over Vicente Guaita from just outside the box.
Many were expecting the midfielder to wheel away in celebration whether it be a shy fist pump or an Emmanuel Adebayor knee slide in front of the home support. But, Gallagher did neither and welcomed embraces from his teammates.
The Cobham graduate, who sees his contract with the Blues expire in 2025, featured 34 times for the Eagles, directly contributing to 11 goals. His impressive displays steered Patrick Vieira's side within touching distance of a top-ten finish, while also catching the attention of his parent club in the meantime.
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Gallagher has started just twice for the west Londoners this season and he's yet to truly reproduce the rich form he enjoyed under Vieira. But, now, he'll be hoping that his huge goal will encourage Graham Potter to entrust him with a few more starts in the Chelsea side.
In the summer, The Times reported that Palace submitted an opening bid of £27million 'to test the waters'. In a press conference ahead of the Eagles' clash with Brentford, Vieira responded to questions regarding aforementioned report.
"Are you sure? The way that you’re talking is as if the £27million was on the table," the Palace boss laughed when asked about the reported bid. "Listen, again, it’s difficult to talk about players who are in another football club.
"You mention Conor, Conor is a Chelsea player," Vieira added. "Until Chelsea say otherwise there’s no point for us to think about what it may not be possible to do.
"We have people around who are working on trying to improve the squad because like I always said, we are short of numbers. We need players and we will try to bring those players, and if not, I am happy with the players we have."
Gallagher was heavily linked with an exit from Stamford Bridge but the Blues did enough to retain his services. And, with the Qatar World Cup just around the corner, he'll be hoping he was right to snub a return to Palace as he looks to impress England boss Gareth Southgate.
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