NONI ON THE SPOT

Ex-Palace kid stays cool for Poch

- JOHN CROSS

CHELSEA substitute Noni Madueke was the calmest player on the pitch on another night of nerves at Stamford Bridge.

England Under-21 starlet Madueke, who started his career at Crystal Palace’s academy, won and converted a late penalty as Chelsea managed to get a much-needed victory.

It was rough on Palace. Roy Hodgson has gone eight games without a win and his side are in danger of flirting with a relegation scrap.

Referee Michael Salisbury gave the spot-kick after being ordered to check the VAR screen and it was clear Eberechi Eze had tripped Madueke in the box.

Up he stepped, and after a string of missed chances and frustrating moments in front of the Chelsea fans, he stuttered, kept his nerve and then slotted in past Palace keeper Dean Henderson.

It was only Chelsea’s fourth home win of the season in the Premier League and they are still stuck in midtable mediocrity.