Chelsea had everything under control after Mudryk's goal, but no one saw this coming

Chelsea have this Wednesday the chance to get a Premier League victory that will allow them to turn the page and put last Sunday's defeat against Wolverhampton behind them. At Stamford Bridge they are facing Crystal Palace, a team that have had a similar performance to theirs in the 2023/24 season.

In fact, only four points separate The Blues and The Eagles in the tournament standings. Mauricio Pochettino's team started the 19th round of the English league with 22 points, while Roy Hodgson's side had 18 points. With the relegation zone too close to reach, both teams need a win to reassure the fans.

With that goal in mind, Chelsea got off to a perfect start. In the first minutes of the match, they controlled the ball, pushed their opponents close to the box and created several chances to score. The first one was a shot by Ian Maatsen that was saved on the line by a defender, but moments later Malo Gusto assisted Mykhailo Mudryk and the Ukrainian winger only had to push the ball to score the opener.

In the following minutes The Blues had other opportunities to double the lead through Mudryk and Christopher Nkunku, but they lacked precision. And they paid dearly, because in stoppage time the visitors netted the leveller when nobody imagined it. A floated cross intended for Jean-Philippe Mateta went all the way across the box and was met by Michael Olise. The French striker had time to control the ball and shoot with great force, making it impossible for goalkeeper Dorde Petrovic to react.

What will 'Poch' do?

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino will surely be satisfied with the team's performance during the first half but disappointed with the result. That's why he may make changes after the break. The substitutes are Marcus Bettinelli, Lucas Bergstrom, Thiago Silva, Alfie Gilchrist, Romeo Lavia, Leo Castledine, Noni Madueke, Armando Broja and Alex Matos.