"Definitely helped us play better” - Conor Gallagher salutes important tactical tweak from Pochettino which led to Chelsea win over Crystal Palace
Conor Gallagher has heaped praise on Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino after the Blues came back from a goal down at Selhurst Park to beat Crystal Palace 3-1 on Monday night (February 12).
The Blues started the game on a bad note after Jefferson Lerma scored a screamer in the 30th minute. It looked like one of those bad nights for Pochettino's men away from home.
Chelsea, however, managed to score the equalizer before halftime, courtesy of a brilliant edge-of-the-box strike from midfielder Gallagher.
Chelsea had to dig deep in stoppage time to seal the win as Gallagher and Enzo Fernandez scored late on to secure a 3-1 away win for the Blues.
Meanwhile, speaking after the game, Gallagher was quick to shower praise on Pochhetino's tactical impact on the game after halftime.
The 24-year-old midfielder revealed that Pochettino made the difference for his team as the manager's approach in the second half gave the Blues more opportunities to create goalscoring chances.
In a post-match interview with Sky Sports, Gallagher said via Goal:
"In the second half the gaffer gave us more structure in their half of the pitch to try and create more chances. Having the two strikers to make more runs in behind to create more space which I think it did. It was really good from the manager and definitely helped us to play better."
The win moves Chelsea to 10th position with 34 points after 24 games. Next up for the Blues will be an away trip to Manchester City on Saturday, February 17.
Gallagher speaks about his preferred position in the Chelsea team
English midfielder Conor Gallagher has spoken about his positional preference in the Chelsea team under head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
The academy graduate has been one of the standout players for his boyhood club this season under Pochettino.
The Argentine tactician has largely deployed Gallagher in a variety of positions across midfield, with the midfielder having performed optimally in different roles.
Speaking about which position he prefers the most, Gallagher said after Chelsea's 3-1 win over Crystal Palace:
"I've played in a number of positions this season, more so holding midfield. I'm happy to play anywhere for the manager. I'm happy wherever I play. No problem."
Gallagher has registered three goals and six assists across competitions for Chelsea this season.