Noni Madueke must start as Chelsea matchwinner sends Mauricio Pochettino clear message

Chelsea battled their way over the line in a chaotic London derby match against Crystal Palace, which sometimes felt desperate.

The Blues could easily have drawn or even lost on Wednesday night at Stamford Bridge, but showed just enough resilience to survive in a sub-par second half, allowing Noni Madueke to earn a much-needed 2-1 win with a late penalty.

The defence could have been better, Moises Caicedo didn't look fit and Mykhailo Mudryk, who played well, came off with an ankle injury.

Mauricio Pochettino looked every bit as relieved as he did jubilant when celebrating victory, as Chelsea's youngest ever-starting Premier League XI lived to fight another day.

Noni Madueke is the saviour

Madueke has been linked with a move away in January but he was the matchwinner at Stamford Bridge.

He won a penalty after lifting the crowd at Stamford Bridge with his dribbling, fighting spirit and energy. The winger knocked the ball past Eberechi Eze in the box and was brought down, but had to wait for VAR to give him a penalty.

Conor Gallagher and Armando Broja both offered to take the penalty, but Madueke grabbed the match ball, and his mind wouldn't be changed.

In the 89th minute, with Chelsea desperate, he dispatched his penalty as if he was playing in the park. Madueke was flawless in his 20-minute spell on the pitch and must now start away at Luton.

Christopher Nkunku's first start

Nkunku was the catalyst that made everyone better in a bright first half for Chelsea.

Even though he was only half-fit, the France international linked play brilliantly, bringing composure to Chelsea's attack.

It was a tantalising first half but he understandably tired in the second and his lack of sharpness in a one-on-one cost Chelsea a chance to double their lead.

It will have done little to dampen expectations around him, with quality evident whenever in possession.

Thiago Silva to the rescue

Chelsea's backline was at sixes and sevens in the second half, with Levi Colwill, Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile all struggling.

Colwill had been run ragged by star winger Michael Olise, who equalised as all three were guilty of poor communication.  Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta dominated Disasi and Badiashile, but Malo Gusto played well.

It felt like Pochettino had no choice but to bring Thiago Silva on. The 39-year-old had played two games in quick succession but was unable to rest before being needed to steady the ship.

He also could have had two assists, creating big chances for Nicolas Jackson and Armando Broja after coming on.