Chelsea need Mudryk as they lack cutting edge vs. Palace

LONDON Kai Havertz’In the second half, he scored a goal. Chelsea a key 1-0 win over Crystal PalaceThey won their last four games without a win.

The win lifts the pressure a little on coach Graham Potter, while Chelsea also used the occasion to unveil new €70m signing Mykhailo MudrykHalf-time

Both sides had good chances in the first half, but neither team was able to score. Havertz scored the winning goal in the 65th minute by scoring from a corner. Crystal Palace’s fourth defeat in five games in all competitions was the result of this loss.

JUMP TO Best/worst performers | Highlights and notable moments | Postmatch quotes | Key stats | Upcoming fixtures

Rapid response

1. Chelsea’s attack is quite blunt, but is Mudryk the right answer?

After the first half of which ChelseaProdded away Crystal PalaceWhile defending the team failed to score a decisive edge, Stamford Bridge’s attention shifted from the match to the main event for a moment. At half-time their latest big-money signing (potentially €100m with add-ons) was presented to the crowd as Mudryk stood in the centre circle, draped in the Ukraine flag.

Signing was a fascinating process, starting with the gazumping ArsenalChelsea added his name to their Instagram bio. Chelsea also pleaded with their fans for Mudryk to be given a warm welcome. But parading Mudryk at the half-time match was an odd move that felt like a diversionary tactic.

Chelsea’s fans were much more concerned with the performance of the players in the second half. Although the attack showed some signs of progress, it failed to make the breakthrough. Left-back Lewis HallHe missed a shot, but Havertz had the best chance. After a wonderful ball over the top by the outstanding, Havertz headed over from close range. Hakim ZiyechChelsea’s chief creative officer was.

With Armando Broja, Raheem Sterling, Christian PulisicJoao Felix was expelled, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang is also absent so it’s been up to Havertz to take the lead. He was subject to criticism in the past but finally found the net in the 65th minute with a well-executed corner move. He then displayed his ineptitude in the 80th, when he failed to score with a header.

Chelsea must end this wastefulness and look forward to seeing their new faces. Felix still has two matches to go on his ban. David Datro FofanaMudryk is more of an acquisition for the future. Sometimes January signings take time to get used to (though Benoit Badiashile did a great debut), and while Mudryk has a lot of talent, this is a major step up for him. In a season where Chelsea need quick fixes for their on-field woes, it is incumbent on Mudryk to deliver.

2. Palace must get back on winning ways

Crystal Palace had suffered three losses in their four previous matches before this trip to Stamford Bridge. They played with an aggressive approach and rattled the opposition with their skilled forwards, but they ultimately lost. It was the same story here.

Michael OliseChelsea was in trouble and Kepa made a smart save by saving the match. Tyrick MitchellAlso, a very close attempt was saved. It was a futile effort despite all of the Chelsea backpedaling.

Palace saw Joachim AndersenInjured in the first half, the team was forced to leave and lost momentum for the second. Coach Patrick Vieira made the bench empty and brought on Jean-Philippe Mateta Odsonne EdouardHowever, they couldn’t find a way for them to make an impact.

It’s not going get any easier for them. They are already successful. Manchester UnitedNewcastle twice, then Newcastle once in the next three games. Next, host high-flying Brighton before making the trip to Brentford. Vieira must get his team back on track or they will be forced to fight for their place at the bottom of the table.

3. Chelsea will always remember their No. 9

Stamford Bridge was filled with emotion as Chelsea remembers Gianluca Vialli (who died Jan. 6). There were many reminders of his influence on the club, as well as tributes to him in the matchday programme.

It’s impossible to ignore Chelsea’s history. There are images all over of their past successes and Vialli is a key player in that. From 1998 to 2000, he managed the club and played 88 games for Chelsea. He also scored 40 goals. After the news of his death, Chelsea was able to recognize their son for the first time.

In the warm up, players donned “Vialli 9” shirts. Before kickoff, a video tribute to Vialli was shown to them as they gathered in the centre circle. Among others, Vialli was honored by a number of former teammates, including John Terry, Mark Hughes and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. At both ends of Vialli’s ground, supporters unveiled massive banners. One said: “When his dreams lighten the sky, there’s always a tear in mine eye.”

Best and worst performers

BEST: Conor Gallagher He was a great player against Palace on Sunday, scoring the win against his old side earlier in season.

BEST: Hakim ZiyechMaybe there is a future at Stamford Bridge for him. The winger was extraordinary ChelseaThey were the ones who created the opportunities they had.

BEST: Kepa — Palace has been repeatedly questioned about the goalkeeper, but he was able to keep Palace at bay three times.

WORST: Wilfried Zaha He failed to make an impact in the first half, and although he did see more of the ball later on, the winger was frustrated at times.

WORST: Carney Chukwuemeka– Chelsea’s 19 year-old midfielder was unable to get a foothold during the match.

WORST: Eberechi Eze The winger was eventually substituted in the 70th minutes, but he hadn’t found any way to cause Chelsea much trouble.

Highlights and memorable moments

Chelsea took the rather weird decision to unveil €70m new signing Mykhailo Mudryk at half-time.

Our 🆕 face! pic.twitter.com/dm7EDkLZPw

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 15, 2023

However, the primary focus was on Havertz’s arrival. Havertz pitched the Blues for the lead.

Kai Havertz’s beautiful header is the result of a perfect cross between Ziyech and Kai! 🙌

📺: @USA_Network #MyPLMorning | #CHECRY pic.twitter.com/lu5i2QWXbz

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) January 15, 2023

After the match: What did the managers/players say?

Kai Havertz:“The last few weeks have been difficult. It is difficult for everyone at the club under these circumstances. This year, a lot has changed. We have 10-12 injured players. We had five young players today in the starting team XI. They’re doing a fantastic job. I felt in a good place. Hakim was very generous with his time and gave me many good tips. I play at number nine and I accept the responsibility of scoring more goals. As a team, we need to score more goals. I will do everything possible to support the team.”

Graham Potter, Chelsea boss:“Today, we are happy for the 3 points. Although they had their moments, we played very well. However, today was about winning the game – consider it three valuable points against an aggressive team. While we try to play well, I felt that we did at times. However, it’s important to understand the context in which we find ourselves so that we don’t have to play sensational football every time. The boys worked hard.”

Potter signs Mudryk as a new sign“He is an exciting young player with great quality in the final three. He is fast and direct, which I think will appeal to the crowd.”

Key stats (provided by ESPN Stats & Information research)

After 60 minutes, Chelsea had only two goals against Crystal Palace.

Kai Havertz is currently Chelsea’s top scorer for the Premier League (5).

– Chelsea has won 12 consecutive games in all competitions against Palace.

– Via Opta. Mykhailo Mudryk is directly involved with 14 goals in only 12 appearances this season in the Ukrainian Premier League (7 goals and 7 assists), making him the most active player in the league. He contributes an average of a goal every 65minutes.

Next

ChelseaNext up is a big game at struggling Liverpool on Jan. 21.

Crystal PalaceThey host Man United in January 18th, and Newcastle United will arrive at Selhurst Park in January 21st.