Conor Gallagher's match-winning performance for Chelsea against Crystal Palace may have earned him a start vs AC Milan as Mason Mount's poor form continues.
The midfielder came off the bench to pull-off a moment of magic and see his side snatch three points at Selhurst Park.
With Odsonne Edouard opening the scoring for the Eagles, Chelsea had it all to do.
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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netted his first Chelsea goal upon his return to the Premier League, a smart first-time finish after Thiago Silva headed down.
With the scores level going into the dying minutes and Chelsea looking set to drop more points, up steps Gallagher.
Player Ratings: Crystal Palace 1-2 Chelsea | Premier League
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The former Palace loanee came on with a point to prove to new boss Graham Potter, and he did just that.
Picking the ball up from Christian Pulisic on the edge of the box, Gallagher took a touch before firing an unstoppable strike into the Palace net.
The midfielder refused to celebrate against the club that gave him his Premier League breakout last season, but it is clear just what the goal meant to him.
Speaking after the match, Gallagher admitted that he wants to keep working hard to earn his place in Potter's side.
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5 Things Learned: Crystal Palace 1-2 Chelsea | Premier League
He said: "I want to work as hard as I can for him (Potter) and be available wherever he needs me, whether starting or coming off the bench.
"Obviously I want to start and I need to show him I'm good enough."
And the midfielder's performance against Palace may be enough to earn him a start when AC Milan come to Stamford Bridge in midweek.
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Chelsea have lacked a player who can create chances from nothing in recent years, with there several opportunities for shots outside the box on Saturday.
However, for whatever reason, the players in the starting XI seemed unwilling to test the goalkeeper.
Gallagher provided an instant boost of energy, looking to make a real difference, which in turn led to him being the match winner.
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Playing further up the pitch to where Thomas Tuchel utilised him, Gallagher was able to show his qualities and provide the energy needed towards the end of the match.
Fellow midfielder Mount has struggled at the start of the season, yet to score or assist in the Premier League.
With the Chelsea Player of the Season clearly struggling for form, Gallagher may have done enough to earn a start against AC Milan in midweek, a must-win game for the Blues.
He will have to keep up the intensity in training and prove to Potter that he is ready to start on the biggest stage of them all, with the pressure high.
But after his match winning goal against Crystal Palace, it is hard to argue against throwing Gallagher into the deep end against the Serie A side.
Topics: Chelsea, Conor Gallagher, Mason Mount, AC Milan, Graham Potter, Football, Crystal Palace
Nick Emms