Chelsea 1-0 Crystal Palace
by Amar Azam
at Stamford Bridge

WITH over £400million being splashed out by the club’s American owner since buying the club in May, there is much expected from this Chelsea side as they look to recapture the kind of success that we saw under the previous regime.  

Mykhailo Mudryk, the 22-year-old Ukrainian winger, was paraded on the pitch ahead of his move from Shakhtar Donetsk, the latest of the lavish signings authorised by Todd Boehly. 

This victory, against a stubborn Crystal Palace side, provided much-needed respite for Chelsea’s manager Graham Potter. Coming after a wretched spell of results, he was a little more relaxed that he has been of late.  
“I would be lying if I didn’t say that I wasn’t relieved,” said Potter. “It is nice to get a win. You have to deal with the bad times, deal with the tough situations, and accept the criticism that comes your way.”  

When asked about the high-profile signings, the Chelsea boss added: “There is a period of transition and you have to stablise things, and work to support the club as best as you can.  

“If you are in a position where over too small a period too many people are making recruitment decisions, it is not the recipe for long term or short-term success.”   

On an emotional day at Stamford Bridge when the club honoured the late Gianluca Vialli, a second half header from Kai Havertz proved to be enough for Chelsea as they overcame a stubborn Crystal Palace side.  

For now, however, they continue to languish outside the all-important top four spots and need to build on this win. Their next match is against Liverpool, on Saturday.   

  “The tribute for Gianluca was very fitting for a man of his quality,” said Potter. “I thought the crowd were great in terms of supporting the team, recognising the moment we were in and recognising the young players on the pitch.”