Pochettino Praises Resilience as Chelsea Edge Crystal Palace with Late Penalty
Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea’s manager, lauded winger Noni Madueke’s resilient response as the catalyst behind their recent 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace. Madueke, previously struggling for game time, entered the match as a substitute, clinching the win with a late penalty after replacing Christopher Nkunku in the 71st minute.
“I want all the players when they’re not involved [to] go against me,” Pochettino remarked, emphasizing the importance of competitive spirit within the squad. “We are not a charity, you know? We are a football club, and you need to perform.”
Pochettino, amidst scrutiny during his early tenure, highlighted the necessity for players to embrace the competitive ethos of Chelsea and deliver on the pitch. “Sometimes we need to be tough…it’s about competing for Chelsea, not elsewhere,” he added.
The match showcased Chelsea’s youngest-ever Premier League starting XI, averaging 23 years and 21 days, with summer signing Christopher Nkunku making his starting debut after a recuperation period from injury.
Reflecting on Nkunku’s performance, Pochettino acknowledged the player’s need for more involvement and adaptation within the team structure. “He needs time, he needs to play games, but he’s starting to find himself and adapt to the team.”
The victory extended Chelsea’s exceptional streak of 12 consecutive league wins over Crystal Palace, dating back to Antonio Conte’s tenure in October 2017. Despite a tight first half that saw goals from Mykhailo Mudryk and Michael Olise, Madueke’s late penalty secured all three points for Chelsea.
Expressing satisfaction with the impact from substitutes, Pochettino emphasized the importance of consistency and peak performance, particularly from players coming off the bench.
Following this triumph, Chelsea, now positioned 10th in the Premier League, gears up to face Luton Town, while Crystal Palace sets to host Brentford in their next fixtures.
The win not only marks a crucial three points for Chelsea but also highlights the resilience and competitive edge Pochettino seeks to instill in his squad as they navigate through the season.
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