0
0
Crystal Palace secured a late 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Selhurst Park, extending the Blues’ winless run into 2025. Jean-Philippe Mateta equalized for Palace in the 82nd minute, canceling out Cole Palmer’s early goal and compounding Chelsea’s festive slump.
Chelsea had taken the lead in the 14th minute through Palmer’s clinical finish, courtesy of Jadon Sancho’s exceptional assist. Sancho’s skillful play allowed him to beat Chris Richards and deliver a precise cross into the area, which Palmer slotted past Dean Henderson with an ice-cold finish.
The visitors dominated the early exchanges, with their wingers enjoying ample possession and troubling Palace’s full-backs, Tyrick Mitchell and Daniel Munoz. Chelsea’s first chance came in the third minute when Pedro Neto’s cross found Sancho, who volleyed over from a promising position.
Palace gradually grew into the game, spurred on by the home crowd. Mateta saw an effort glance wide after being set up by Munoz in the 25th minute. Chelsea had additional opportunities, with Nicolas Jackson firing wide from a tight angle and Josh Acheampong, making his Premier League debut at 18, heading an effort wide from a corner.
In the second half, Palace emerged stronger, with Eberechi Eze squandering a significant opportunity shortly after the restart. Eze collected a pass on the edge of the box but fired his shot wide of the post. Robert Sanchez made an impressive save to deny Richards, who had risen highest to meet a corner. Chelsea felt aggrieved when Mitchell’s challenge on Neto was not deemed a penalty after a VAR review.
Palace’s persistence ultimately paid off as Mateta’s late equalizer secured a valuable point, moving them six points clear of the relegation zone. The goal was a result of Palace’s relentless pressure, with Mateta reacting quickest to a loose ball in the box.
Chelsea, meanwhile, remain in fourth place, denied the opportunity to leapfrog Nottingham Forest. The draw extends their winless run to four games, putting a significant dent in their audacious title hopes.
