Chelsea needed an 89th-minute penalty from substitute Noni Madueke to edge past Crystal Palace 2-1 at Stamford Bridge and climb back into the top half of the Premier League table.

It had looked like another frustrating home outing for Mauricio Pochettino’s side for most of the second half, after Michael Olise had cancelled out Mykhailo Mudryk’s early goal with a brilliant finish on the half-volley on the stroke of half-time.

The game was drifting towards what would have been a deserved point for Palace, there was a final twist, Eberechi Eze tripped Madueke as he sought to control the ball on the edge of the box, and the England Under-21 international won the match from the spot with his first league goal of the season.

Chelsea took the lead in the 13th minute, initiated by Malo Gusto's clever shimmy and turn to slip past his marker in midfield. Despite an errant pass, Nathaniel Clyne's stumble revived Chelsea's attack, reaching Christopher Nkunku. Nkunku then fed Malo Gusto, who delivered a precise cross, allowing Mudryk to slot it home effortlessly.

There was a fluency about Chelsea that has rarely been seen in recent weeks. The Blues were industrious with the ball, racking up 323 passes during the first half and recording 63 per cent possession and – unlike so often this campaign – they had created gilt-edged chances to go with it.

And yet, in the final seconds of the half, a familiar sinking feeling for home supporters. Richards executed a robust challenge on Levi Colwill, securing possession in midfield. The ball then spilled wide to Jordan Ayew, who, with precision, found Olise in the box. Olise controlled it adeptly on his chest, assessed Djordje Petrovic's position, and rifled it past the Chelsea goalkeeper, leveling the score at 1-1.

Palace were without a win in seven games but the goal, though against the run of play, brought belief.

Pochettino left Thiago Silva on the bench for only the second time in the league this season, but called on the 39-year-old just before the hour mark, alongside Romeo Lavia, who finally made his Chelsea debut.

Chelsea thought two more points had slipped away at home. Then with two minutes to go, Madueke went over Eze’s leg, a VAR review yielded a penalty and the substitute picked himself up knock home the winning goal.

Pochettino's side now focus on their upcoming Premier League clash against Luton Town on Saturday, which is a great oportunity to secure three crucial points in their task to reduce the difference with the top 8 in the league. Will the Blues secure the win at Kenilworth Road on Saturday? Place your bets on the game now on SportyBet!