Conor Gallagher returned to Selhurst Park to upset Crystal Palace with a stunning late winner to give Graham Potter a controversial first victory as Chelsea boss.
Substitute Gallagher, who impressed on loan at Palace last season, slotted home a superb right-footed effort to seal victory for Chelsea with his first goal for the club.
Odsonne Edouard also scored Chelsea’s first goal on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s Premier League return after giving Palace an early lead.
However, there was controversy surrounding Aubameyang’s goal as it was set up by Thiago Silva, who Palace felt should have been sent off for a deliberate handball that denied Jordan Ayew a potential scoring chance. had refused.
Palace furious at Silva handball
Gallagher, whose impressive form for Palace last season earned him his England debut, was introduced by Potter in the 76th minute for Kai Havertz.
And with the game seemingly heading out for a draw, the 22-year-old midfielder nutmeged Jean-Philippe Mateta before curling a shot past Vicente Guaita into the top corner.
However, while Gallagher returned to break Palace hearts, Eagles supporters are likely to direct their anger at the authorities following the decision not to send Silva off.
After the half-hour mark, Chelsea defenders appeared to deliberately handle the ball after falling to the ground, denying Ayew a potential scoring chance.
Referee Chris Kavanagh showed the Brazilian a yellow card, which was upheld after a VAR check, much to the dismay of Palace boss Patrick Vieira – who was charged over his protest – and his players. .
Palace’s sense of injustice deepened when Silva headed James’ long ball into the path of Aubameyang, who produced a superb finish on the half-volley to bring Chelsea level.
Due to the postponement of matches following the death of Queen Elizabeth II – for which a minute’s silence was observed before kick-off – and the international break, neither side has played a Premier League match since 3 September. did not play
And while Chelsea looked to be in possession early on, Palace took the lead with their first attack. Edward pounced on a loose Wesley Fofana pass and found Ayew on the right. The Ghanaian’s dipping cross found Edward, who stretched to poke the ball past Kepa Arrizabalaga.
With their tails up, the home side – who lost Nathaniel Clyne to a serious-looking injury before half-time – immediately pressed for a second as Kepa curled Iberichi Eze’s shot around the post. At a distance of 100 meters, the attacker of the palace opened fire. Corner
Wilfried Zaha forced a sharp save from Capa in the second half but Palace failed to put Chelsea’s defense under enough pressure, before Gallagher rubbed salt into the home side’s wounds and sent Potter off the mark for the Blues boss. done.
