Introduction
In the fiercely competitive world of the Premier League, goals are the currency of success. For Chelsea, a team known for their attacking prowess, the lack of goals from their midfield has been a cause for concern this season. However, in a recent Monday Night Football clash against Crystal Palace, the Blues finally saw a breakthrough as their midfielders stepped up to the plate. This article delves into the impact of Chelsea’s midfield goals and the implications for their title aspirations.
Conor Gallagher: A Star in the Making
One player who shone brightly in Chelsea’s victory over Crystal Palace was Conor Gallagher. On loan at Selhurst Park in the 2021/22 season, Gallagher showcased his talent once again, becoming the star man of the match. His performance not only secured the victory but also highlighted a significant milestone in his career. With two goals against Crystal Palace, Gallagher opened his Premier League account for the season, breaking the drought that had plagued Chelsea’s midfield.
Gallagher’s impact goes beyond his goalscoring ability. The young midfielder has demonstrated his influence on the pitch, with a remarkable record against Crystal Palace. Scoring four goals against the Eagles, he has found the net more times against them than any other team. Additionally, Selhurst Park seems to bring out the best in Gallagher, as he has scored six goals at the venue, the most he has scored at any Premier League ground.
Enzo Fernandez: Making His Mark
Another midfielder who played a crucial role in Chelsea’s victory over Crystal Palace was Enzo Fernandez. The young talent added the final goal in stoppage time, wrapping up the win for the Blues. This goal not only secured the three points but also showcased Fernandez’s potential as a goal-scoring threat from midfield.
Fernandez’s contribution against Crystal Palace was not a one-off occurrence. In a previous match against Aston Villa, he also found the back of the net, further highlighting the growing impact of Chelsea’s midfielders. With players like Gallagher and Fernandez stepping up, the Blues are beginning to diversify their goalscoring options, which bodes well for their title ambitions.
Crystal Palace: Life without Key Players
Crystal Palace faced a daunting challenge as they took on Chelsea without three of their key players – Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise, and Marc Guehi. Despite the absence of these influential figures, the Eagles showed resilience and determination, proving that they can compete even without their talismen.
In the first half, Crystal Palace displayed a level of performance that delighted fans and staff alike. They dominated possession, outworked Chelsea, created numerous chances, and took one of them to score. This impressive display earned them a standing ovation at halftime, a testament to their efforts. However, they were unable to maintain the same level of performance in the second half, eventually succumbing to Chelsea’s improved tactics and individual brilliance.
Arsenal: Making a Statement
Meanwhile, Arsenal made a statement of their own with a resounding victory over West Ham. After struggling to convert dominance into goals earlier in the season, the Gunners seem to have found their scoring touch. Their six-goal thrashing of West Ham showcased their attacking prowess and demonstrated their title credentials.
One notable aspect of Arsenal’s recent success is their ability to share the goalscoring responsibilities. Against West Ham, five different players found the back of the net, revealing the fluidity and versatility of their attacking options. This collective effort makes Arsenal a formidable force, with players like Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard hitting a rich vein of form at just the right time.
Manchester United’s Unexpected Heroes
In a season filled with ups and downs, Manchester United found solace in the performances of three unlikely heroes – Harry Maguire, Scott McTominay, and Diogo Dalot. Their contributions in a crucial victory over Aston Villa showcased their commitment and determination to help the team succeed.
Maguire’s performance earned him the title of player-of-the-match, displaying his dominance in both defense and attack. McTominay, on the other hand, proved to be the match-winner with a powerful header, further solidifying his reputation as a goal-scoring midfielder. Lastly, Dalot’s exemplary display on the right flank highlighted his growth as a Manchester United player.
Unai Emery’s Tactical Decision
The Aston Villa-Manchester United clash raised eyebrows with Unai Emery’s decision to substitute Leon Bailey. With Villa pushing for a winner after equalizing, Emery’s tactical move to replace Bailey seemed puzzling. The decision ultimately let Manchester United off the hook, allowing them to regroup and respond with a positive substitution of their own.
Bailey had been instrumental in Villa’s attacking threat, tormenting the Manchester United defense throughout the match. His involvement in Villa’s equalizer and his overall impact on the game made his substitution a questionable move. Emery’s decision played into Manchester United’s hands, and they capitalized on it, securing a crucial victory.
West Ham’s Alarming Collapse
West Ham suffered a devastating defeat against Arsenal, conceding four goals in just 15 minutes. The abrupt collapse of their defense and the lack of resistance showcased the team’s vulnerability and raised concerns about David Moyes’ approach to the game.
The defeat against Arsenal was a significant setback for West Ham, as they were unable to mount any meaningful response to the onslaught. The ease with which Arsenal dismantled their defense highlighted the need for improvement and sparked discontent among fans who desire a more attacking style of play. Moyes now faces increased pressure to find solutions and prevent further capitulations.
