Dean Henderson points out that finishing was key to Crystal Palace's 1-3 defeat to Chelsea on Sunday. Crystal Palace were the better team overall in the first half at Selhurst Park, but missed several good chances. Estewan Willian then scored on a quick counter-attack to give Chelsea the lead.  

Chelsea then extended their lead over Crystal Palace. Crystal Palace's Adam Walton was sent off after receiving his second yellow card, forcing the team to play with 10 men. However, Crystal Palace showed resilience late in the game, with Chris Richards scoring a consolation goal just before the final whistle.  

After the match, Dean Henderson, wearing the captain's armband, said: "I think we played better in the first half and put a lot of pressure on the opponent. We also created some chances early in the game, and if we had been able to take them, the result could have been completely different."  

“I think we played better in the first 20 minutes, putting a lot of pressure on the opponent and creating some good chances. However, we failed to take those chances, and we paid the price for it in the second half. This kind of situation is not uncommon in football. Obviously, playing with one less player makes the game much more difficult.”  

"We absolutely cannot concede a second goal at the start of the second half, otherwise it will give the opponent more confidence and increase their attacking intensity. I think the players have shown great fighting spirit throughout, and if we can score another goal, or avoid conceding a third goal, I believe the team will have a chance to win the game."  

“There are some positive signs. With some players returning, the team’s morale has clearly improved. We had higher expectations for the game before it started, but it’s clear that football can be very cruel in the current situation. They made mistakes, we didn’t capitalize on our chances; we made mistakes, and we were ultimately punished.”  

In Crystal Palace's starting lineup, Daniel Muñoz and Ismaila Sarr both started, marking their first start together in over a month. The two were active on the right flank, having previously missed several matches due to injury and the Africa Cup of Nations, respectively, before returning to the Premier League.  

Dean Henderson said: "Football is a fast-paced sport, and we failed to capitalize on our chances while our opponents did better. Obviously, Ismaila Sarr was just back from the Africa Cup of Nations, so his return was late. Daniel Muñoz, on the other hand, made his first game back after surgery."  

"It will take a few games for these adjustments to show their effects. Obviously, we must continue to work hard, maintain team belief, and make full use of our accumulated experience, while also blocking out external distractions. But we also know that the team has shown a significantly different form compared to the past 10 games."  

"On paper, the team playing today is stronger and more experienced. As long as we can re-integrate these combinations, victory will naturally follow."  

Image source: Internet/Crystal Palace official website