Franca shows Chelsea what they missed & Palace fans vent their frustration

Chelsea came from behind to beat Crystal Palace 3-1 thanks to added time goals from Conor Gallagher and Enzo Fernandez in the Premier League at Selhurst Park on Monday night.

Gallagher put the visitors 2-1 up with his second goal of the match before Fernandez sealed the win as Chelsea rallied to secure the points that took them up to 10th in the standings.

It was a tale of two halves for the Blues who went into the break a goal down after a superb Jefferson Lerma strike before Gallagher fired home to equalise in the 47th minute.

Monday's result was Chelsea's 13th consecutive win against Crystal Palace in the Premier League, a club record.

Mail Sport's Kieran Gill takes a look at some of the things you may have missed.

New Palace ace makes his point

Chelsea wanted Matheus Franca last summer but it is believed their intention to send him away on an immediate loan to one of their affiliate clubs was not enticing enough for the 19-year-old Brazilian.

Instead, he signed for Crystal Palace in a £26million move from Flamengo, with his contract even containing a Ballon d’Or nominee clause.

Starting on the left wing, Franca and his team-mates did their best to torment Chelsea right back Malo Gusto, who struggled who struggled in the first half but went on to assist Conor Gallagher’s equaliser.

Blues’ first-half blank is far cry from women

It was not until the 45th minute not until the 45th minute of this match that Chelsea had a shot of any description, Conor Gallagher dragging an attempt wide.

At least Chelsea Women showed Crystal Palace they know how to attack in their FA Cup fifth-round tie on Sunday with 13 attempts.

Mayra Ramirez scored the winner — an outrageous flicked finish from a cross — as she got her first goal since Chelsea smashed the world-record fee for a female footballer three weeks ago. The Colombian, 24, cost £384,000 plus £42,600 in add-ons when bought from Levante.

Chelsea are top of the Women’s Super League. The less said about how the men’s season has been, the better.

Good choice from the Selhurst Park DJ as we waited for the refereeing team to solve their technical issues so the second half could start. The silence was broken when Bob Marley's Three Little Birds suddenly started to play

Cech springs a surprise

Petr Cech's surprise appearance on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football coincided with his interview dropping on Jake Humphrey’s High Performance Podcast, teased as: ‘Why I left Chelsea.’

Cech’s sudden media presence means we can only assume whatever non-disclosure agreement he had with Chelsea has expired, with it now 19 months since he left the club as a technical advisor.

Cech spent last week on loan with Belfast Giants ice hockey team, though the Premier League great will return to the Oxford City Stars.

Palace fans vent their frustration

There was no shortage of banners from Crystal Palace’s frustrated fans.

‘Weak club culture and direction,’ read one. ‘Supporters ignored and taken for granted,’ another. ‘Weak transfer policy. Youth scapegoated,’ a third.

Passions can run high at Selhurst Park. Even one steward stood next to the media seats was singing at the top of his voice.

Chelsea fans sleep out to help homeless

Sometimes, the good work of fan groups can go unnoticed, but one initiative being organised by the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust is worthy of column inches.

The CST are arranging so that up to 200 fans will be allowed to sleep under Stamford Bridge’s East Stand next month. Not in a plush bed with pillows, but in a sleeping bag on top of a flattened cardboard box.

The hope is to raise tens of thousands to combat homelessness and support vulnerable and disabled veterans so they can lead fulfilling lives.

The proceeds from this ‘Big Stamford Bridge Sleep Out’ on March 23 will go to charities Stoll and Barons Court Project.

Academy stars’ big invite from Poch

The beauty of Chelsea’s academy being based at the same training ground as the first team — unlike other Premier League clubs such as West Ham — is that it encourages a good working relationship between the two.

Ahead of this match, it is understood Charlie Holland, 14, and Rio Ngumoha, 15, trained alongside Raheem Sterling and Co under Mauricio Pochettino.

Holland was also invited to train with the big boys when Frank Lampard was manager last season.