Eberechi Eze scored a stunning equalizer as Crystal Palace held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea, buoyed by a 6-2 win over Wolves the previous week, started strongly. Cole Palmer narrowly missed the target, and Dean Henderson made a brilliant save from Noni Madueke before Nicolas Jackson put Chelsea ahead with a tap-in from a Palmer cross.
Palace managed to avoid a potential red card when Will Hughes, already on a yellow card, fouled Palmer without further sanction.
The Eagles equalized shortly after, with Eze curling a superb strike past Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. Sanchez later made a key save, denying Daichi Kamada’s powerful shot.
Chelsea had a chance to secure the win in stoppage time, but Henderson saved Jackson’s shot after he broke through on goal. The draw was Crystal Palace’s first point of the season following two losses, while Chelsea now has four points from their first three matches.
The match underscored Chelsea’s ongoing transition, marked by significant changes this summer.
The club has spent over £200 million, brought in 13 new players, and seen 37 departures. With the transfer window closing soon, the focus can now shift solely to football.
Jadon Sancho, Chelsea’s final summer signing, was introduced to fans before the match, but only Pedro Neto among the new arrivals started against Palace.
Chelsea’s wastefulness persisted. Although it seemed they might build on their impressive win against Wolves, missed chances and Henderson’s superb goalkeeping meant they could only celebrate Jackson’s goal, his second of the season.
Despite the positive performance against Wolves, Chelsea’s struggle to convert chances into goals remains a concern.
Jackson had two late opportunities to secure the win but failed to capitalize, leaving Enzo Maresca and his team still searching for their first home victory of the 2024-25 season.
