Mauricio Pochettino explains why Noni Madueke took Chelsea's winning penalty despite Conor Gallagher being given nod by coach against Crystal Palace

Chelsea were awarded a penalty in the 89th minute with the game tied at 1-1 and Madueke stepped up to convert and secure three points. Gallagher was the player Pochettino had assigned penalties to in the absence of regular takers Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer, but it was not the midfielder who stepped up.

Pochettino was asked why the Englishman was the one to step up and he told BBC Match of the Day: "It was Conor and I said to him: "It's you but if you're not confident enough give it Noni'. I am so glad and so happy. He came from the bench and showed this hunger and confidence."

Madueke said he felt positive before taking the spot kick, telling Amazon Prime: "It was a stonewall penalty. I scored one earlier in the cup and I was confident with my technique [in the absence of Sterling and Palmer]."

After collecting three points at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, Chelsea will attempt to make it two wins in a row when they round off 2023 with a trip to Luton on December 30.