Conor Gallagher came back to haunt Crystal Palace with an outrageous goal in Chelsea’s 2-1 win at Selhurst Park.
The former Palace player, who won the Eagles Player of the Season award for 2021/22, was given a hearty ovation by the home crowd when he became a late substitute for the visitors.
But the 22-year-old would break their hearts with a superb 90th-minute long-range effort to hand Blues manager Graham Potter a priceless victory in his first Premier League game in charge.
“You won’t see a better strike all season,” West Ham legend Alvin Martin said in commentary for talkSPORT 2.
“No goalkeeper in the world comes close.
“A perfect achievement. What a strike!”
It was Gallagher’s first senior goal for Chelsea and a timely one after losing his place in the England squad ahead of the World Cup.
Potter’s side found themselves behind from the start when Osdonne Edouard put the hosts in front.
The Gabon striker allowed a clever header from Silva to roll over his body and fly into the bottom corner to launch his Chelsea career.
However, Palace will argue that Blues defender Silva should have been sent off moments before the assist.
Silva escaped with the yellow and a lengthy VAR check concluded he hadn’t denied a clear goalscoring opportunity by preventing Jordan Ayew from deliberately handballing it.
It means Palace will feel doubly aggrieved as Gallagher, the man they wanted to sign in the summer, scored the winner.
OFFER OF THE DAY
Bet365: bet €10, get €50 free bets – CLAIM HERE
Account opening offer. Bet €10 and get €50 free bets for new customers at bet365. Minimum deposit requirement. Free bets are paid out as betting credits and can be used when settling qualifying bets. Minimum odds, betting and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude wagering bet credits. Deadlines and terms and conditions apply 18+ Begambleaware.org