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Noni Madueke Chelsea 2023-24Getty Images
Matt O'Connor-Simpson

Chelsea player ratings vs Crystal Palace: Noni Madueke to the rescue! Christopher Nkunku and Malo Gusto dazzle as Blues’ forgotten man nets late penalty to end horrific 2023 on a high

Player ratings
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
Originals
C. Nkunku
Chelsea
Premier League
N. Madueke

A last-gasp penalty ensured the Stamford Bridge faithful had something to smile about at the end of a dreadful 2023

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Just five days ago, Mauricio Pochettino laid down a challenge to forgotten man Noni Madueke, urging the £30 million ($38m) signing to "raise his level" if he wanted to earn regular minutes at Stamford Bridge. And Madueke was clearly listening, as he emerged from obscurity to earn Chelsea all three points against Crystal Palace on Wednesday evening, winning and then scoring a late penalty to seal a sorely-needed 2-1 victory.

The Blues took the lead after 13 minutes when Mykhailo Mudryk converted smartly in the box following excellent work from the outstanding Malo Gusto. Chelsea would go on to dominate the first half, which made Michael Olise's stoppage-time equaliser - a back-post finish after a perfect Jordan Ayew cross - particularly sickening.

In the second half, the hosts struggled to break down a typically-stoic Roy Hodgson defence, but Nicolas Jackson eventually emerged as the main character in a chaotic four-minute spell, first missing a golden chance one on one and then having a redemptive goal ruled out for offside.

It would instead be Madueke who emerged as the hero, converting from 12 yards after being hacked down in the box by Eberechi Eze three minutes from time.

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Stamford Bridge...

  • Malo Gusto Chelsea 2023Getty Images

    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Djordje Petrovic (6/10):

    Not overly busy. Made one good stop at his near post.

    Malo Gusto (8/10):

    Almost unplayable in the first half - he found so much space down the right. Bizarre decision from Pochettino to move him to the opposite side which stifled his influence.

    Axel Disasi (5/10):

    Defended pretty well, but was untidy in possession at times.

    Benoit Badiashile (7/10):

    A shaky start but grew into the game nicely. Did not put a foot wrong on the ball.

    Levi Colwill (4/10):

    Had to win the header for Olise's goal. He didn't, and the Frenchman scored. Not his best night and was subbed before the hour.

  • Conor Gallagher Chelsea 2023Getty Images

    Midfield

    Moises Caicedo (7/10):

    Played some really nice crossfield passes and broke things up in midfield.

    Conor Gallagher (7/10):

    An all-action performance. Moved to a No.10 position in the second half and would have had an assist if Jackson could finish.

    Christopher Nkunku (7/10):

    Linked Chelsea together wonderfully as an advanced midfielder, before being shifted out wide for the final stages of his 70-minute outing.

  • Mykhailo Mudryk Chelsea 2023Getty Images

    Attack

    Mykhailo Mudryk (7/10):

    Scored just his fourth Chelsea goal. Was encouraging to see him link up so effectively with Nkunku.

    Nicolas Jackson (4/10):

    Some good moments but a lot of errors too - none bigger than the gilt-edged chance he missed in the second half. Had another chalked off for offside soon after. Poor lad.

    Ian Maatsen (5/10):

    Finally handed a start and seemed to be trying too hard to impress at times. Didn't give Pochettino much to think about with his display.

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  • Noni MaduekeGetty

    Subs & Manager

    Romeo Lavia (6/10):

    Clearly not fully match sharp, but brilliant to see him finally make his debut.

    Thiago Silva (6/10):

    Did fine, but you have to question why his introduction was required.

    Armando Broja (6/10):

    Fired one shot into the side netting.

    Noni Madueke (7/10):

    Had one nice break forward before being booked for clashing with Tyrick Mitchell. Won and scored the penalty after Eze clattered him in the box.

    Alfie Gilchrist (N/A):

    A very brief cameo

    Mauricio Pochettino (5/10):

    His decision to move Gusto to the left and Nkunku to the right just before the hour didn't make a great deal of sense and seemed to affect Chelsea going forward. Then again, they created enough to win this so thank goodness for Madueke - a player the manager clearly wasn't the biggest fan of before today.

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