Mauricio Pochettino has revealed why Noni Madueke took Chelsea's match-winning penalty despite the coach picking Conor Gallagher to take it.
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Chelsea given late penalty against PalacePochettino told Gallagher to take spot kickMadueke stepped up instead to score winnerWHAT HAPPENED?
Chelsea were awarded a penalty in the 89th minute with the game tied at 1-1 and Madueke stepped up to convert and secure three points. Gallagher was the player Pochettino had assigned penalties to in the absence of regular takers Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer, but it was not the midfielder who stepped up.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT POCHETTINO SAID
Pochettino was asked why the Englishman was the one to step up and he told : "It was Conor and I said to him: "It's you but if you're not confident enough give it Noni'. I am so glad and so happy. He came from the bench and showed this hunger and confidence."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Madueke said he felt positive before taking the spot kick, telling : "It was a stonewall penalty. I scored one earlier in the cup and I was confident with my technique [in the absence of Sterling and Palmer]."
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?
After collecting three points at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, Chelsea will attempt to make it two wins in a row when they round off 2023 with a trip to Luton on December 30.