Chelsea’s hero vs Crystal Palace sends message to fans after late win

Conor Gallagher happy to have scored his first goal in Chelsea shirt in 2-1 win over Crystal Palace

Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher is “buzzing” to have scored his first goal in a blue shirt against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The 22-year-old came on as a second-half substitute and scored a later match-winner.

Gallagher replaced Kai Havertz in the 76th minute with the score still level. There did not seem to be much between the two sides by the end of things. However, the 22-year-old pulled out something special from his locker in the 90th minute to give the Stamford Bridge side the lead.

Speaking after the 2-1 victory over Palace on the club’s official Twitter account, Gallagher was delighted to have gotten the three points for Chelsea. The midfielder hopes the Blues can use the result to build momentum.

“Massive win today. I’m buzzing to get my first goal for the club. And hopefully it’s time to push on now.”

Gallagher spent last season on loan at the Selhurst Park side. And it is evident the 22-year-old was embraced by the Palace fans with the reception he received when he came on for Chelsea.

For the Eagles, Gallagher was a key member of their midfield. The England international featured 34 times in the Premier League under Patrick Vieira, scoring eight goals and providing three assists.

Before his spell at Palace, Gallagher also impressed with West Bromwich Albion in the English top flight. Since returning from his loan, the 22-year-old has found it difficult at the Stamford Bridge side up until now.

There is a lot of competition for places in the middle of the park at Chelsea. The likes of N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho are ahead of Gallagher in the pecking order.

The young midfielder has played a bit-part role this season, mostly coming on as a substitute. However, against Palace, the Chelsea academy graduate has finally broken his duck.

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Gallagher showed respect for his former side as the 22-year-old tempered his celebrations after scoring a brilliant goal from outside the box in the dying minutes. Hopefully, there is more of the same to come from the England international this season under Graham Potter.