The Stamford Bridge sound system blast the old disco hit “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now” following Chelsea’s arduous 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Wednesday, but Mauricio Pochettino’s squad is still severely lacking in momentum.
Substitute Noni Madueke’s conversion of a penalty in the 89th minute elicited a sigh of relief throughout the stadium, where supporters had endured a dreadful 2023 despite Chelsea’s U.S. owners’ significant expenditure on new players.
At the conclusion of the first half, Michael Olise of Crystal Palace punished Chelsea by equalizing through negligent marking. Olise cancelled out a 13th minute finish by winger Mykhailo Mudryk, which was a straightforward attempt from defender Malo Gusto to convert a cross.
Following victories over Sheffield United and Brighton & Hove Albion, the triumph marked Chelsea’s third consecutive home Premier League victory, putting an end to a lengthy stretch of dismal home form that began last season.
However, Chelsea is currently mired in the middle of the rankings due to away losses at Newcastle United, Manchester United, Everton, and Wolverhampton Wanderers, in stark contrast to those triumphs.
They were positioned in the tenth position at this juncture of the previous season under Graham Potter’s leadership, which was a far cry from the form that earned them the title of European Champions in 2021.
Pochettino stated that he had higher expectations for his lavishly assembled squad, which included France striker Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia, both of whom made their debuts off the substitute.
“We must maintain consistency in the Premier League, which is extremely difficult,” the Argentine told the BBC.
“The initial half of the season has been extremely turbulent and challenging at times. We are optimistic, however, and must demonstrate that we can contend.”
Pochettino lauded Madueke for coming off the bench and contributing significantly to Chelsea’s victory despite his initial lack of playing time.
He stated, “We are not a charitable organization.” “As a football organization, we are obligated to execute…Before anything else, it is crucial to approach the game with the proper mindset and demonstrate reverence for the club’s rich legacy on the field.
Manager Roy Hodgson of Crystal Palace recognised the precarious nature of his squad’s standing—three points off the relegation zone—yet found solace in his players’ performances despite the fact that they have gone eight league matches without a victory.
At the present, we are not achieving victory in contests. “That would be a greater concern if we did not exhibit the spirit in which we do,” Hodgson explained to Amazon Prime. “It hurts that we are near the bottom of the table.”