Chelsea kicked off their Premier League season with a frustrating goalless draw against Crystal Palace in a tense London derby at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon, leaving fans with mixed emotions as the Blues showed defensive resilience but struggled to find their attacking rhythm.
The game started with high intensity, as both sides battled for early control of possession. Palace thought they had taken the lead in the first half when Eberechi Eze unleashed a thunderous free-kick that stunned the Chelsea defence and found the back of the net. However, jubilation for the visitors was short-lived, as VAR intervened. After a lengthy review, the goal was ruled out due to Marc Guehi’s foul in the build-up, sparking controversy and heated reactions from the Palace bench and supporters.
For Chelsea, chances came in flashes, but they lacked the precision to break through a disciplined Palace backline. A flurry of corners was easily dealt with by the visitors’ defenders, while young star Cole Palmer was kept quiet by the opposition, unable to replicate his usual creativity in the final third. The frustration among the home crowd grew as misplaced passes and missed opportunities highlighted Chelsea’s lack of sharpness in attack.
Manager Enzo Maresca made changes in the second half to inject some energy, bringing on teenage sensation Estevão Willian for Jamie Gittens. The Brazilian’s quick feet and direct runs offered glimpses of promise, but Palace’s defence stood firm, blocking his efforts and forcing Chelsea into wide, ineffective play. Despite dominating possession, the Blues could not find the breakthrough they desperately needed.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, looked dangerous on the counter-attack, with Eze continuing to threaten and Jean-Philippe Mateta working tirelessly upfront. Their disciplined defensive shape frustrated Chelsea and kept goalkeeper Dean Henderson relatively untroubled throughout the game.
The London derby concluded with Chelsea escaping a potential defeat but failing to impress in their season opener. The Blues avoided a major scare thanks to VAR, yet questions remain over their cutting edge in attack as they continue the search for fluency under their new system.
For Palace, the result will feel like two points lost after coming so close to snatching a famous away victory, but their resilient performance will give manager Oliver Glasner plenty of encouragement for the season ahead.