Chelsea winger Noni Madueke proved to be his side’s match-winner against Crystal Palace last night after scoring a last-minute penalty.
However, Mauricio Pochettino has told Chelsea’s official website that he initially wanted another one of his players to take it.
Cole Palmer has been the Blues’ designated penalty taker this season and is yet to miss from the spot.
However, the 21-year-old missed the 2-1 win against Palace because of suspension, giving Noni Madueke an opportunity to step up and take the spot kick. The confidence he showed surprised Chelsea legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
Conor Gallagher almost took Chelsea’s penalty
Pochettino says Conor Gallagher was set to take Chelsea’s penalty but he told him to hand it to Madueke if his team-mate was feeling more confident.
“I said it was Conor, but I said to Conor if Noni was more confident you can give him the penalty,” the Argentine explained. “You have to be confident in that moment.”
Noni Madueke a good choice
Gallagher’s spot kick in Chelsea’s penalty shootout win against Newcastle United in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup was convincing. The 23-year-old was also the captain last night, so it would have made sense for him to go up for the penalty against Palace.
However, Madueke was more than a viable alternative, with the England U21 international having already scored from the spot in normal time this season.
He dispatched his penalty in Chelsea’s win versus AFC Wimbledon in the second round of the League Cup.
Next up for Madueke and Chelsea is another Premier League tie, this time against Luton Town.
Madueke has probably done enough to earn a start against Rob Edwards’ side, but with Palmer and Raheem Sterling set to return from suspension, Pochettino will obviously have a decision to make. Honestly, it would be a bit harsh if the Argentine denied Madueke a start after his recent heroics.
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