Madueke's Spot Kick leads Blues to a victory over Palace

London, 

Wednesday, 27 December, 2023 

McCreadie Andias 

Chelsea fought for a much-needed 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge, as the Blues claimed a third consecutive home league win for the first time since October 2022.

Chelsea opened the score sheet in just the quarter - hour mark when Malo Gusto darted down to the left flank, brilliantly teeing up Mykhailo Mudryk for an excellent first-time finish.

Christopher Nkunku made a brilliant start as Chelsea started their youngest ever Premier league squad with most players average of 23 years and 21 days.

Michael Olise restored parity with a smooth finish expertly chesting down Jordan Ayew’s excellent pass and smashing a left-footed strike beyond Dorde Petrovic in first-half stoppage time.

Nicholas Jackson should have restored Chelsea's lead in a one-on-one with Dean Henderson but fired wide. 

Jackson would have compensated for his horrible miss with a clinical first-time finish from Thiago Silva’s cross, yet VAR ruled out the goal for offside. 

However Chelsea's frustrations were put to end when the referee pointed to the spot kick after Eze brought down substitute Madueke in the box.

Madueke stepped up and calmly sent Henderson the wrong way, as a palpable sense of relief engulfed Stamford Bridge.

The victory placed the blues 10th in the table whilst the Eagles suffered to a 13th consecutive defeat in all competitions against Chelsea.