Quick-fire player ratings: Crystal Palace 1-3 Chelsea (1-3)

Chelsea clinched back-to-back away victories in thrilling style, alleviating the pressure on Mauricio Pochettino as they secured a dramatic 3-1 win over Crystal Palace. Conor Gallagher and Enzo Fernandez emerged as the heroes, netting crucial goals deep into stoppage time.

The game ignited when Jefferson Lerma unleashed a stunning 20-yard strike to put Palace ahead in the 30th minute, capitalizing on Chelsea’s lackluster first-half performance. However, Gallagher swiftly responded with a volley to level the score just after the break, before adding his second in the 91st minute, capitalizing on changes made by Pochettino. Fernandez then put the finishing touches on the victory with a composed finish in the dying moments.

Despite the win, Chelsea remains in 10th place in the Premier League, trailing fourth-placed Tottenham by 13 points.

Nizaar Kinsella, reporting from Selhurst Park, evaluated the performances of Chelsea’s players:

• Djordje Petrovic received a rating of 5, as he struggled to stop Lerma’s strike and had some issues with his kicking.
• Malo Gusto earned a score of 6 for his dangerous crosses but was criticized for giving away possession frequently.
• Axel Disasi’s performance was deemed underwhelming, warranting a rating of 5.
• Thiago Silva, who made a crucial block but also sustained an injury, was also rated 5.
• Ben Chilwell, despite leading the team as captain, had a quiet game, earning a rating of 5.
• Enzo Fernandez received a rating of 7 for his crucial late goal.
• Moises Caicedo, despite playing well, was partially at fault for Palace’s goal, earning him a rating of 5.
• Conor Gallagher was instrumental in the comeback, earning a score of 7 for his two crucial goals.
• Cole Palmer, initially anonymous, improved in the second half and contributed to the late goals, earning a rating of 7.
• Nicolas Jackson had a quiet first half but improved in the second, warranting a rating of 5.
• Noni Madueke, who was involved in both attacking and defensive moments, received a rating of 4 before being substituted at half-time.
• Among the substitutes, Christopher Nkunku received a rating of 5, Levi Colwill earned a 6 for his contribution in defense, and Raheem Sterling got a 6 for his involvement in Gallagher’s second goal.

Unused substitutes Alfie Gilchrist, Bergstrom, Chalobah, Chukwuemeka, and Mudryk did not impact the game.