Chelsea and Arsenal snatched three vital points from their opponents in the pulsating English Premier League on Saturday.
Conor Gallagher’s first goal for Chelsea helped the Blues snatch all three points in stoppage-time in a 2-1 draw at Selhurst Park.
Arsenal moved four points clear at the top of the Premier League and inflicted a first defeat of the season on 10-man Tottenham with a 3-1 win in an exciting north London derby.
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The Blues capitalised on a fragile and new-look Chelsea defence inside 10 minutes as Odsonne Edouard linked up with Jordan Ayew, the latter crossing for the former to poke home ahead of Wesley Fofana.
The hosts threatened a second but Kepa Arrizabalaga denied Eberechi Eze with a brilliant diving save.
And Ayew thought he was through after picking Thiago Silva’s pocket, only for the defender to punch the ball clear. The Brazilian got away with a yellow despite a VAR check, and fanned the flames when, moments later he set up Chelsea’s leveller.
Silva headed down for Pierre Emerick-Aubemayang to grab his first goal for Chelsea, rifling home on the spin.
Chelsea dominated possession in the second-half but could not break down Palace’s stubborn back line, as Mason Mount wasted two good chances and Palace remained a threat on the counter.
The Eagles looked blunt, but a moment of brilliance settled it. Substitute Gallagher, returning to the ground where he made a name for himself last season on loan, hit a brilliant 25-yard effort into the top corner, to earn all three points for Graham Potter during his first Premier League match in charge and inflict an undeserved defeat on Patrick Vieira’s men.
Meanwhile, Thomas Partey’s stunning, long-range opener (20) was cancelled out by Harry Kane’s penalty (31) after Gabriel Magalhaes had fouled Richarlison, but the hosts, dominant for much of the first period, took complete control of the game after the break.
Gabriel Jesus capitalised on a mix-up between Hugo Lloris and Cristian Romero to put Arsenal in front from close range (49) and Granit Xhaka struck a clinical third (67) after Emerson Royal had been red carded for a reckless foul on Gabriel Martinelli.
