“Only John Terry have done it before” – Conor Gallagher bring back 2002 Chelsea memory last night that hasn’t been done since 2002
Conor Gallagher’s decisive goal for Chelsea against Leeds United in the FA Cup’s fifth round not only secured a spot in the quarter-finals but potentially played a role in alleviating the pressure on manager Mauricio Pochettino’s job.
After facing scrutiny following the Carabao Cup final loss to Liverpool, Pochettino’s position was reportedly under review, with potential candidates being considered for his replacement. However, Gallagher’s 90th-minute winner not only propelled Chelsea to the next round but also marked a significant moment in the club’s FA Cup history. It was the first 90th-minute winner in an FA Cup match for Chelsea since John Terry’s in 2002, according to Opta.
The former Chelsea captain secured a victory against West Ham United, making Gallagher’s late winner against Leeds a rare occurrence for the club in normal time. As a reward, Chelsea is set to face Leicester City in the quarter-finals at home.
Gallagher’s goal-scoring prowess has been noteworthy, with three goals in his last five games. This includes a brace against his former club Crystal Palace and a goal in the previous round of the FA Cup. His impressive performance at Palace during the 2021/22 season, where he scored eight times in the Premier League, showcased his development as a goal-scoring midfielder.
With Gallagher’s ability to contribute goals from the midfield, he could evolve into an ideal No.8 for Chelsea, adding a valuable scoring dimension to the team. As the season progresses, Gallagher’s goal-scoring form becomes a promising asset for Chelsea’s midfield dynamics.
