da dobrowin： Gallagher popped up with two excellent strikes after the break as the England international returned to haunt his former club

da cassino： After an uplifting FA Cup victory over Aston Villa last Wednesday, Chelsea fans will have had an unpleasant feeling of normal business being resumed at Selhurst Park on Monday night. Mauricio Pochettino's side looked woefully disjointed for most of the contest, but floppy-haired salvation eventually came in the form of Conor Gallagher, whose excellent second-half brace helped his side secure a desperately-needed 3-1 victory.

Chelsea's attempts to pass Palace to death in the first half were abruptly ended on the half-hour mark when Jefferson Lerma pounced on some scruffy play from Noni Madueke and unleashed an unstoppable effort into the top corner. The Blues' reaction was non-existent before the break, with Gallagher's dragged shot on the stroke of half time representing their only effort on goal.

But an extended interval – due to referee Michael Oliver enduring some technical difficulties – sparked the visitors into life. Just 81 seconds into the second half Gallagher latched onto Malo Gusto's cross and fired a controlled finish past Dean Henderson in the Palace goal.

Chelsea continued to improve in the second half, but it took until stoppage time for them to get the game won. First, Gallagher stroked home Cole Palmer's cutback from the edge of the box. Then, Enzo Fernandez made sure of the three points shortly before the final whistle, picking his moment perfectly to lift the ball into the roof of the net from inside the box.

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Selhurst Park…

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Djordje Petrovic (6/10):

Nothing he could do about Lerma's stunning strike. Not a lot else to keep him occupied, though saved well from Matheus Franca late on.

Malo Gusto (7/10):

A genuine threat throughout and assisted Gallagher's first goal. His transfer did not attract as many headlines as some of Todd Boehly's many other buys, but he might just be the smartest pick-up of the lot.

Thiago Silva (7/10):

Went about all his defensive work with typical class. Appeared to pull his groin on the hour and was forced off.

Axel Disasi (6/10):

Struggled to contain Mateta at times. Rarely flustered in possession.

Ben Chilwell (5/10):

Ayew caused him some issues with his clever body positioning. Didn't make the most of his attacking openings.

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Moises Caicedo (5/10):

Was all a bit too safe in possession early on. He wasn't even always assured, losing the ball to Lerma just before he scored. Improved markedly in the second period.

Enzo Fernandez (7/10):

Seemed unsure of his responsibilities in the first half, as he misplaced a string of passes and popped up randomly all over the pitch. Found his rhythm as the game progressed and was rewarded with a late goal.

Conor Gallagher (8/10):

Horrendous in the first half, but redeemed himself with a very well-taken brace.

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Noni Madueke (4/10):

Probably Chelsea's bravest forward in a dreadful first half, but wasn't on the same wavelength as those playing behind him. Also made a poor error in the lead up to Palace's opener. Hooked at the break.

Cole Palmer (7/10):

The interchanging with the Blues' other forwards didn't work in the first half. Was much better after the interval and assisted both late goals.

Nicolas Jackson (4/10):

Completely anonymous before the break. Needed to offer a threat in behind more regularly. Ventured into the box more towards the end, but not a great night overall.

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Christopher Nkunku (5/10):

Did not influence the game enough after replacing Madueke.

Levi Colwill (6/10):

Had one shaky moment immediately after coming on, but soon settled.

Raheem Sterling (5/10):

Had one half chance and failed to do anything with it. Created a headed opportunity for Disasi.

Alfie Gilchrist (N/A):

Only a brief cameo.

Mauricio Pochettino (4/10):

Set up his team all wrong in the first half; it was incredibly hard to discern what he'd instructed the players to do. His half-time changes did improve things, but – even though they won – it's difficult to shake the feeling that the coaching at Stamford Bridge is a significant problem. The pressure remains on the Argentine.