Chelsea Open Premier League Campaign with Goalless Draw Against Crystal Palace
Chelsea began their 2025/26 Premier League season with a frustrating 0-0 stalemate against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Despite dominating possession and creating multiple chances, the Blues were unable to find the breakthrough.
Chelsea registered 19 attempts with 3 on target, maintaining over 70% possession, but Palace’s defensive organization kept them at bay throughout the 90 minutes.
The first major flashpoint came in the 13th minute, when Eberechi Eze’s stunning free-kick found the net, only to be disallowed for encroachment by Marc Guehi. Another controversial moment saw Jean-Philippe Mateta avoid a second yellow card after a dangerous challenge, sparking debate among pundits.
For Chelsea, Josh Acheampong delivered an impressive performance in defense, while 17-year-old Estevão showcased his potential with an energetic second-half cameo. However, new signings João Pedro and Jamie Gittens struggled to make an impact on their debut.
Match Summary:
Scoreline: Chelsea 0–0 Crystal Palace
Key Highlight: Eze’s disallowed free-kick, strong defensive display from Palace
Standout Player: Josh Acheampong (Chelsea)
Despite their recent Club World Cup triumph, Chelsea’s lack of cutting edge in the final third remains a concern as they prepare for their next fixture against Everton.
Full-Time: Chelsea 0–0 Crystal Palace
Report by Zorama Peter Paul
