Crystal Palace 1-1 Chelsea: Blues winless run continues as Mateta's late strike earns point for Eagles
A late equaliser from Jean-Philippe Mateta enabled Crystal Palace to secure a 1-1 draw against Chelsea, who have now experienced a winless streak in their last four Premier League matches (D2, L2).
Following a challenging start to the season, a series of positive outcomes (W4, D5, L2) has propelled the Eagles up the league standings. However, considering their recent difficulties against Chelsea (D1, L14), the task ahead for Oliver Glasner was anticipated to be formidable.
The Blues managed to break the deadlock within just 14 minutes, with Jadon Sancho playing a pivotal role in the goal. He executed a brilliant dummy before advancing towards the Palace defense and setting up Cole Palmer, who calmly placed the ball past Dean Henderson.
With the momentum in their favor, the visitors sought a second goal, coming close when Pedro Neto headed Palmer’s free-kick towards the back post, where Nicholas Jackson should have converted his volley on target.
Despite Chelsea's early control of the match, they were unable to extend their lead before half-time, allowing the hosts to gradually find their rhythm, although they rarely tested the returning Robert Sanchez.
Palace started the second half with intent and nearly equalized when Ismaila Sarr’s sharp cross reached Eberechi Eze, whose first-time side-footed attempt went just wide of the far post.
As the hour mark approached, the Eagles were firmly in contention and increasingly threatening in attack, as evidenced by Mateta’s shot that was deflected over the bar by Levi Colwill.
With fewer than 15 minutes remaining, Chelsea's solitary shot on target remained the only goal of the match, and their inability to increase their lead proved costly. Mateta took advantage of a mistake by Palmer, finishing a swift counterattack with a low shot.
Enzo Fernandez was fortunate to avoid a second yellow card in the final moments, but that was the extent of Chelsea's good fortune, as they ultimately let two points slip away.
A commendable performance allows Palace to secure a valuable point; however, their troubling home record continues to be a concern, as they have managed only two victories in 11 matches at Selhurst Park (W2, D5, L4), leaving Glasner’s team in 15th place in the league.
A loss could have resulted in Chelsea falling out of the top four by the conclusion of the weekend, but earning a point does little to rejuvenate their fading title hopes, as they now trail league leaders Liverpool by nine points, having played two additional matches.
SportsLigue