More clubs fall into relegation scrap after festive fixtures

The Premier League’s hectic slate of games following Christmas concluded on Wednesday with teams on differing form. It’s that time of the year when some clubs fall into the relegation scrap. Chelsea hosted Crystal Palace and Wolves traveled to Brentford. In the late start, an in-form Everton welcomed the defending Premier League champions, Manchester City.

Each game delivered drama in its own right. Wolverhampton Wanderers thrashed Brentford at the Community Stadium. Suddenly, Brentford is thrown into the relegation scrap after losing six of its last seven games. Across London, Chelsea used a late penalty to secure all three points over Crystal Palace. Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke scored the goals for Crystal Palace to offset Michael Olise’s equalizer.

Chelsea leaves it late against Crystal Palace

Looking to find some semblance of form, Mauricio Pochettino named the eighth youngest starting lineup in Premier League history on Wednesday. With inexperienced players dotted across the pitch, Crystal Palace tried to strike early. Roy Hodgson’s side had a spell of early possession and chances that lasted a quarter of an hour. The Eagles failed to put away any chance, though, which allowed the talent in the young players of Chelsea to shine.

That happened at the 13-minute mark via Mykhailo Mudryk. Malo Gusto’s square pass found the left boot of Mudryk who passed it into the net to give Chelsea the lead. Mudryk had a chance to double the lead, but a strong save from Dean Henderson on a breakaway kept the lead at one. Palace took advantage to level the game in first-half stoppage time. Michael Olise contained Jordan Ayew’s pass with his chest before slamming the ball home with his second touch. It was 1-1 at the break.

The score remained that way for the next 43 minutes. Both sides had chances, and Chelsea had the ball in the back of the net via Nicolas Jackson. However, a narrow offside position from the Senegalese kept the game locked at…

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Author : Kyle Fansler

Publish date : 2023-12-27 22:56:28

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