Manager Mauricio Pochettino clarified that Noni Madueke was not originally designated for penalty duties. 

The Chelsea player was on the spotlight during Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Wednesday night, m

The match saw Michael Olise equalize Mykhailo Mudryk’s opener with a sublime volley at Stamford Bridge. A penalty was awarded to Chelsea in the final minutes of regulation time following a VAR review.

Pochettino disclosed that captain Conor Gallagher was initially chosen to take the penalty but opted to let Madueke assume the responsibility. 

Madueke calmly converted, securing the winning goal. 

Regarding the decision to entrust Madueke with the penalty in the absence of 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.”