EPL: Chelsea star, Gallagher thanks Crystal Palace after scoring first goal against them

Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher has thanked Crystal Palace fans and management after scoring his first goal against them.

The England international said it was ‘unfortunate’ his first goal for the Blues came against Palace, a club he spent last season on loan at.

The midfielder quickly became a fan favourite, scoring eight goals across 34 Premier League games last season at Crystal Palace.

Odsonne Edouard had put Palace ahead early on before former Barcelona forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang equalised with his first goal for Chelsea late in the first half.

That set the stage for Gallagher to come off the bench and win it for Chelsea deep into stoppage-time, in the process breaking the hearts of the team he played for on loan for the whole of last season.

The 22-year-old was linked back to the club again this summer, but Chelsea decided to keep him at Stamford Bridge instead.

“It’s a very special moment to come on and get the winner and my first goal for Chelsea,” Gallagher said after the match.

“It was written in the stars. Unfortunately, it came against Palace, but I’m just buzzing to get my first goal.

“Everyone knows how much I loved it here [at Palace] and I thank the whole club and the fans – even today with the reception they gave me.”