Conor Gallagher returned to haunt Crystal Palace with an outrageous goal in Chelsea’s 2-1 victory at Selhurst Park.

The former Palace loanee, who won the Eagles’ Player of the Season award for 2021/22, was given a warm ovation by the home crowd when he emerged as a late substitute for the visitors.

Gallagher refused to celebrate
Getty
It was his first senior goal for Chelsea
Getty

But the 22-year-old would break their hearts with a stunning, long-range effort in the 90th minute to give Blues manager Graham Potter a priceless victory in his first Premier League match in charge.

“You will not see a better strike all season,” West Ham legend Alvin Martin said on commentary for talkSPORT 2.

“No keeper in the world is getting anywhere near it.

“A perfect execution. What a strike!”

It was Gallagher’s first senior goal for Chelsea and a timely one after he lost his place in the England squad ahead of the World Cup.

Potter’s side found themselves behind in early on when Osdonne Edouard put the hosts ahead.

Gallagher was so often the hero for Palace last season
AFP


The Gabon striker allowed a smart header from Silva to roll across his body and volley into the bottom corner to kickstart his Chelsea career.

However, Palace will argue that Blues defender Silva should have been sent off moments before the assist.

Silva escaped with yellow and a lengthy VAR check ruled that he had not denied a clear goalscoring opportunity when stopping Jordan Ayew from proceeding with a deliberate handball.

It means Palace will feel doubly aggrieved as Gallagher, the man they wanted to sign in the summer, netted the winner.

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