Conor Gallagher says scoring his first Chelsea goal against his former side Crystal Palace was "written in the stars" as he sealed a 2-1 win at Selhurst Park.

Substitute Gallagher had been on the field only 14 minutes when he curled a sublime late winner past ex-team-mate Vicente Guaita in the final minute of normal time to see Chelsea triumph in their first league match under Graham Potter.

It was the England international's first goal for Chelsea on his seventh appearance for the club.

Gallagher was given a chance to impress in the Premier League during last season's spell on loan at Selhurst Park, where he was crowned the club's Player of the Year, and the 22-year-old believes there was a sense of inevitability to his winner.

"It's a very special moment to come on and get the winner and my first goal for Chelsea," he told BBC Sport.

"It was written in the stars. Unfortunately, it came against Palace, but I'm just buzzing to get my first goal.

"Everyone knows how much I loved it here [at Palace] and I thank the whole club and the fans – even today with the reception they gave me."

Gallagher had featured six times for Chelsea in the league prior to Saturday's trip to Selhurst Park, starting three, but he had failed to score, assist or create any big chances, defined by Opta as an opportunity from which a player would reasonably be expected to find the back of the net.

Despite his limited playing time against Palace, Gallagher completed more dribbles (two) than any team-mate on what had been a frustrating day for Chelsea.

He is now hoping to get more opportunities to impress.

"Hopefully I can build a bit of confidence with the goal and push on," he said.

"I want to work as hard as I can for [Potter] and be available wherever he needs me, whether starting or coming off the bench.

"Obviously I want to start, and I need to show him I'm good enough."