Have fun while you can, and use your game to your advantage. You need to step up your game, man, because Chelsea and Senegalese both rely on you.

Pochettino pleased with Nkunku, Madueke impact as Chelsea win it late against Crystal Palace

Wednesday night’s 2-1 thriller between Chelsea and Crystal Palace was our last home game of the year at Stamford Bridge. Our performance was more reflective of our present predicament than of any victories in the recent or not-so-recent past, even though it was our club record for the number of consecutive Premier League victories versus Palace.

It may be counterproductive to focus on the disadvantages whenever a triumph does occur because victories aren’t as common as they formerly were. Aside from the fact that this was our youngest ever starting XI in a Premier League match, there were also encouraging signals, as familiar as some of our shortcomings may have been.

With strong performances on both sides of the field, Malo Gusto had a game that could be considered his greatest to date. Is that the right defender assisting with a cross from the left channel in open play with his left foot? We are both aware of it! Nicolas Jackson, meanwhile, thought backheeling was the best approach to pass the ball and should have scored twice as a result. (And he ought to have scored an easy goal or two, but hey, no dwelling!) Our midfield got some much-needed structure back when Roméo Lavia made his debut. (I warned you there would be no focusing on the reports of a new thigh ιnjury.) In his senior debut, Alfie Gilchrist came on at the last minute and attempted a head block, channeling John Terry a little.

Additionally, this game witnessed the return to action of two players who have seen limited action this season owing to ιnjury: Nkunku (a significant setback) and Noni (a few lesser ones). Nkunku, making his club debut, looked prepared to live up to our expectations after getting the nod to start. That perplexing airshot aside, though. He improved the оffensive play of everyone around him, which is no easy task given the team’s current dynamic, especially considering how little time he has spent playing with them.

It was a big step for him, but he still needs to adjust to the squad and the Premier League. He played over 60 minutes, though. Some of the permutations worked well, but we need to do them again. We would prefer it if he was more active, but hey, it is just his first 70 minutes on the field. Playing games will help him discover himself and adapt.

Although we have recently failed even at competing—it’s hard not to dwell on that!—it is clear that this isn’t our only goal. We were worried that we might not be able to win. Lucky for us, a little Noni Madueke mayhem paid off at the last possible second as Eberechi Eze dangled a leg and video assistant referees finally approved the stonewall penalty.

It was delivered by Madueke himself with the calmness of Cole Palmer.

Although I initially recommended that Conor should take the penalty, I later told him that you could give it to Noni if he felt more confident. At that same second, you must exude self-assurance.

I am elated because it is essential for a benchwarmer to demonstrate this hunger and character. He made it clear that he was prepared to seize the chance. He didn’t hold back. He fulfilled our urgent need at this time. It was cute because he let his displeasure with me show through in his lack of participation.

Obviously, the next step is to expand upon this. We’re riding a three-game winning streak at home but a four-game losing streak on the road. Despite several promising turning points, we have failed to achieve consistency and have failed to convert any of them into real turning points.

Maybe it will be a more slow turnaround. We shall emerge victorious in due time.

We were discussing mindset in the last moments. Knowing the Premier League is extremely difficult, having the right mindset means being well-prepared and performing at your best. Even if it’s difficult, that’s where we want to maintain consistency.

Our winning streak at Stamford Bridge is gathering steam. Winning in front of our fans is crucial because our performances over the past year or so have been less than stellar.

According to Chelsea FC and Mauricio Pochettino

So, we’re in a stronger position than last season by six points as we reach the midpoint of the 2023–24 season. The radius of this circle is enormous.