On a night when the spotlight was on the managers as much as the players (Roy Hodgson and Mauricio Pochettino were and are chalked up as the current top-two in the bookies’ Premier League Sack Race boards to depart next), it’s the Chelsea boss who is breathing a little easier.
A second-half rally saw the Blues battle back from a 1-0 half-time deficit to run out 3-1 winner’s vs Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Embed from Getty ImagesCan Roy Hodgson defy the doubters?
Hodgson has strengthened as the favourite for the Premier League sack race. Two heavy away losses vs Arsenal and against their arch-rivals Brighton had heaped the pressure on the former England manager. Palace had banked on home performances/results to help steady the ship, so the Chelsea defeat would have hurt.
It brought their unbeaten home run of 4 games in all competitions to an end and means they’ve only won 4 of their last 18 in the EPL. The fact that there are growing displays of animosity towards the Palace board from fans is pouring further fuel on the fire. ‘Wasted potential on and off the pitch. Weak decisions taking us backwards’ was memorably blazoned across the away end at the Emirates last month by frustrated Eagles.
In Hodgson’s defence, Palace have only ever finished in the top half once before during the Premier League era. So, their current 15th position isn’t such a dramatic fall from grace. There’s still time to rectify the situation, though they must stop leaking goals. They’ve not kept a clean sheet in the league since November 4th, a run of 13 games. Including the three Chelsea netted, that’s now 14 they’ve conceded in their last four EPL games.
Embed from Getty ImagesMore of the same needed for Poch’s boys
Mauricio Pochettino’s worry lines will have lessened somewhat. It’s Chelsea’s first away EPL win in 2024 and moves them into the top half of the table. It also helped ease the painful memories of losing 4-1 and 4-2 to Liverpool and Wolves in the league recently. Cup successes of late have also muzzled the Poch dissenters.
The Blues have reached the League Cup Final later this month and are now into the last 16 of the FA Cup, a winnable home tie against Leeds. With no European campaign this season, it will be huge for Chelsea if they can lift some domestic silverware. Not just for the club, but for Pochettino himself, so he can get the monkey off his back of not having ever won a trophy whilst managing in England.
The constant reminders that Chelsea have spent over a billion pounds on players during the last couple of seasons will remain a thorn in their side that they will need to deal with. It shouldn’t be forgotten that they held Arsenal and Man City to draws and thrashed Tottenham earlier in the season.
Also Read: Waste Management Phoenix Open: Everything You Need to Know
They must become more consistent though and get a run of wins and positive performances under their belts. Next up for the Blues, it’s Pep’s treble-winners at the Etihad on Saturday. They’ll need to remain FOCUSED for that for sure!!!
Also Read:
Mauricio Pochettino Urges Chelsea Fans: Is It Right To Sack Him?
Continental Cup Drama: Dominant Triumphs and Thrilling Penalty Showdowns Unfold
FA Cup Highlights From Round 4: No Shocks on Road to Wembley
Bayer Leverkusen: Battle to Dethrone Bayern Munich
2030 Formula 1 Calendar: Iconic Circuits and Modern Marvels
Image Credit: Deposit Photos