“Noni Madueke did what he wasn’t supposed to” — Pochettino

In a gripping encounter at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea secured a hard-fought 2-1 win against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night, with Noni Madueke emerging as the unlikely hero in the late stages of the game.

The match began with Mykhailo Mudryk putting Chelsea ahead, only to be spectacularly equalized by Michael Olise’s brilliant volley. As the game edged towards its conclusion, the Blues were granted a lifeline in the form of a penalty kick, following a VAR review.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino revealed that originally, the responsibility for the crucial spot-kick rested with captain Conor Gallagher.

However, Gallagher opted to pass on the duty, offering it to Noni Madueke instead. Pochettino expressed his satisfaction with the decision, commending Madueke’s display of confidence and hunger in the critical moment.

“It was Conor [Gallagher], and I said to him ‘it’s you, but if you’re not confident enough, give it to Noni,’” Pochettino remarked post-match.

“I am so glad and so happy. He came from the bench and showed this hunger and confidence.”

With both Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer suspended, the responsibility fell on other shoulders, and Noni Madueke seized the opportunity with composure, converting the penalty flawlessly to secure the decisive goal merely minutes before the end of regulation time.