CONOR Gallagher is hoping for a “confidence boost” after his double against Crystal Palace helped secure the three points for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
Gallagher hadn’t scored this season before this month but now has three in two games after also netting in the 3-1 win at Aston Villa in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Chelsea trailed at the break before Gallagher scored against the club where he spent a successful loan spell in 2021-22.
Midfielder Gallagher put Mauricio Pochettino’s side ahead a minute into stoppage-time before Enzo Fernandez added a third.
“I really enjoyed scoring the two goals,” Gallagher said. “I’ve not scored enough this season so to get two is a big confidence boost for me in front of goal. That it was against Palace, well that’s kind of typical now, to be honest.
“It was a hard-fought win. Palace played well and made it difficult for us to win the game.
“Second half we were good and created enough chances to win the game, so we’re happy.”
Chelsea had almost 80 per cent possession in the first half but no shot on target.
Pochettino replaced Noni Madueke with striker Christopher Nkunku at half-time with Cole Palmer moving out to the right.
Gallagher added: “There was a tactical change going into the second half which helped us. We created more chances with the full-backs bombing on and by having two forwards, it gave Cole and myself more space in the pockets and that is where the two goals came from.
“I thought we played really well in the second half and that is the reason we got the win.”
