“I respect his decision making”, “Absolutely stunner” – Cesar Azpilicueta names Chelsea man as best player in 2-1 win over Crystal Palace
Cesar Azpilicueta has hailed Chelsea defender Malo Gusto for his ‘spot-on’ decision-making in the 2-1 Premier League home win over Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
Continuing his good recent form, attacker Mykhailo Mudryk opened the scoring inside 13 minutes at Stamford Bridge, thanks to Gusto’s superb work in the build-up.
Although Michael Olise hauled Palace back on level terms in first-half stoppage time, the Blues had the last laugh, with Noni Madueke drilling home an 89th-minute winner from the spot.It was Mauricio Pochettino’s side’s third straight league win at home after winning just once in their opening seven games.
The win moved the Blues up to tenth in the standings, 17 points behind leaders Liverpool (42) after 19 games.
Meanwhile, Gusto – deputising for the injured captain Reece James – put in an impressive shift at both ends.
“Gusto is absolutely having a stormer at the right-back position, playing almost like a right wing-back, just the ball, the choice of ball, the decision-making of him has been absolutely spot-on.
“And the defending has been pretty good as well, which you don’t normally say about full-backs these days.”