Pochettino hails match winner vs Crystal Palace

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has applauded Noni Madueke for coming to the Blues’ rescue during their Wednesday match against Crystal Palace.

Chelsea had the early lead through a fine team goal, finished off by Mykhailo Mudryk, but had to settle for 1-1 at the break after Michael Olise equalised in added time.

A highlight from the game saw Madueke coolly converted a penalty two minutes to the end of the match as Chelsea won all three points against the Seagulls.

‘I said it was Conor, but I said to Conor if Noni was more confident you can give him the penalty,’ Pochettino explained. ‘You have to be confident in that moment.

‘I am so happy because a player who comes from the bench needs to show this character and this hunger. He showed he was ready to take the opportunity.

‘He played free. He did what we needed in this moment. I liked it because he showed he was disappointed with me because he didn’t play too much.’