Chelsea returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a hard-earned 3-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday (February 12) to rise to 10th place on the points table. The Blues managed to overcome a disappointing start to the game to claim all three points in the second half of the clash.
Following successive defeats against Liverpool and Wolves, Chelsea were keen to avoid a third straight league defeat. They were impressive in midweek when they claimed a 3-1 win over Aston Villa in their FA Cup Fourth Round replay.
Mauricio Pochettino chose to stick with the side that defeated Villa, making only one change in defense, as Thiago Silva started the game. The manager started a frontline of Nicolas Jackson, Cole Palmer, and Noni Madueke, but England U-21 international Madueke was disappointing.
Fresh from providing a fine assist in the game against Villa, the 21-year-old was handed another start, with Raheem Sterling keeping his place on the bench. Chelsea fans were, however, disappointed with Madueke for his showing in the game, and they took to X to air their thoughts.
“All on Madueke. The more and more we get to watch of him, the clearer it becomes he’s not Chelsea level,” a fan wrote. “Madueke is really, really stupid,” another user chimed in.
Here are a few more reactions from X:At half-time, Christopher Nkunku, who has scored twice in 12 league appearances this season, took Madueke\’s place in attack, and the change sparked new life into the Blues.