FREEBIE CON SAVES POCH

Gallagher double is agony for Roy

- JOHN CROSS

THE homegrown hero delivered yet again for Chelsea. 

And it begs the question: where on Earth would they be without Conor Gallagher?

Chelsea were ready to sell him in the January transfer window to balance the books but Gallagher’s brilliant spirit deserves to set the tone at Stamford Bridge for years to come.

Gallagher scored twice as Chelsea came from behind after a dismal first-half showing before Enzo Fernandez then grabbed a third to put the heat back on poor Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson.

Chelsea were woeful in the first 45 minutes, they did not manage a shot of any sort until first-half injury time and not even £1billion can buy you heart and desire.

But Gallagher, the kid who did not cost a penny, struck at the double to make it 14 straight wins for Chelsea over Palace which is a remarkable run and there was a smattering of boos from the home fans at the end.