After Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Wednesday night, manager Mauricio Pochettino clarified that Noni Madueke was not initially designated as the penalty taker during the match.

The thrilling encounter saw Michael Olise equalize with a remarkable volley after Mykhailo Mudryk opened the scoring at Stamford Bridge.

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In the dying minutes of regulation time, Chelsea was awarded a penalty following a VAR review.

Contrary to expectations, Pochettino revealed that captain Conor Gallagher was intended to take the penalty but deferred to Noni Madueke, who calmly converted, securing the late victory for the Blues.

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Addressing the decision for Madueke to assume penalty duties in the absence of suspended players Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer, Pochettino explained, “It was Conor [Gallagher], and I said to him, ‘it’s you but if you’re not confident enough, give it to Noni.’

I am so glad and so happy. He came from the bench and showed this hunger and confidence.”