Nothing goes straightforward for Chelsea in the Premier League this season, so every victory feels like a cup final win. On Wednesday night, they left it late to win 2-1 against Crystal Palace thanks to a Noni Madueke penalty. Previously, Mykhailo Mudryk’s early opening goal was cancelled out by Michel Olise at the stroke of half-time.Roy Hodgson’s Palace initiated the contest strongly, pressing high and displaying confidence in their passing. They almost opened the scoring with Eberechi Eze’s free-kick narrowly missing the target. Chelsea, fielding their youngest-ever Premier League starting lineup with an average age of 23 years and 21 days, managed to break the deadlock around the 15-minute mark. Malo Gusto initiated a brilliant attacking move, setting up Mudryk for a fine first-time finish.Christopher Nkunku was also instrumental in the first half but missed a close-range opportunity from Nicolas Jackson’s pass. Chelsea continued their attacking display, with Ian Maatsen shooting wide from Gusto’s setup. However, just before halftime, Palace equalized through Michael Olise, who skillfully controlled Jordan Ayew’s pass and netted with a left-footed strike.In another EPL chash of the night, Wolverhampton Wanderers stormed through Brentford and celebrated a 4-1 victory over the Bees, but lost their brace-scoring Korean star Hwang Hee-Chan to injury in the process.Despite the victory, Chelsea’s defensive record in 2023 hasn’t been positive, conceding their highest number of Premier League goals in a calendar year, totaling 59 goals.More to followENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 19TuesdayNewcastle – Nott.Forest 1-3 (1-1)/Isak 24 pen – Wood 45+1, 53, 60/Bournemouth – Fulham 3-0 (1-0)/Kluivert 44, Solanke 62 pen, Sinisterra 90+3/Sheffield Utd – Luton 2-3 (0-1)/McBurnie 61, Ahmedhodzic 69 – Doughty 17, Robinson 77 og, Ben Slimane 81 og/Burnley – Liverpool 0-2 (0-1)/Darwin 6, Elliott 90/Man Utd – Aston Villa 3-2 (0-2)/Garnacho 60, 72, Hojlund 82 – McGinn 21, Dendoncker 26/WednesdayBrentford – Wolves 1-4 (1-3)/Wissa 16, Lemina 13, Hee-Chan 14, 28, Bellegarde 79/Chelsea – Crystal Palace 2-1 (1-1)/Mudryk 13, Madueke 89 pen – Olise 45+1/Everton – Manchester City x-x (1-0)/Harrison 29 – Foden 53/Thursday22:30: (2.75) Brighton (3.60) Tottenham (2.60)23:15: (1.37) Arsenal (5.20) West Ham (10.0)***odds are subject to change***
