Chelsea's 2025/26 Premier League campaign got off to a frustrating start as they were held to a goalless 0-0 draw by a resolute Crystal Palace side at Stamford Bridge. Despite dominating possession and creating the majority of chances, Enzo Maresca's side lacked a cutting edge in the final third, while a well-organized Palace side successfully absorbed pressure and even had a first-half goal from Eberechi Eze controversially disallowed by VAR.
The match was a testament to the classic "attack vs. defense" dynamic. Chelsea, buoyed by the start of a new season under manager Enzo Maresca, looked to impose their style from the kickoff. They enjoyed an overwhelming share of possession, moving the ball around with purpose and looking to exploit the flanks with their wingers. However, for all their control, clear-cut chances were difficult to come by.
The most significant moment of the first half, and perhaps the entire match, belonged to Crystal Palace. In the 13th minute, Eberechi Eze smashed a free-kick past Robert Sánchez and into the back of the net, leading to wild celebrations from the away fans. The jubilation was short-lived, however, as VAR intervened. The referee, Darren England, went to the monitor and, in a landmark moment, explained his decision to the crowd over the stadium microphone: the goal was disallowed due to Marc Guehi being too close to the Chelsea wall. It was a controversial but pivotal decision that kept the score at 0-0.
In the second half, Chelsea continued their relentless push for a winner. Maresca brought on fresh legs in the form of new signings Estevao and Liam Delap, both of whom added a new dimension to the attack. The young Brazilian, Estevao, was particularly lively, driving at the Palace defense with pace and trickery. He and fellow substitute Andrey Santos both had late chances to win the game, but their shots failed to hit the target.
Credit must be given to Oliver Glasner's Crystal Palace. They were disciplined, compact, and organized from front to back. They limited Chelsea's attacking threats and defended their box with tenacity, ensuring that goalkeeper Dean Henderson was not overly tested despite the volume of shots Chelsea took.
Player Ratings & Key Performances
While the game ended in a stalemate, a few individuals stood out for their respective teams. For Chelsea, the most impressive performer was academy graduate Josh Acheampong. The 19-year-old was thrust into the starting lineup and played with a calmness and confidence that belied his age. His composure on the ball and solid defending earned him high praise and showed that he can be a reliable option for Maresca. On the other end of the pitch, the impact of young Estevao from the bench was clear to see. The teenager added a much-needed spark and created chances, showing he is a player to watch this season.
For Crystal Palace, the backline was the star of the show. Marc Guehi and Chris Richards were immense at the heart of the defense, blocking shots, making crucial clearances, and keeping Chelsea's attackers at bay. Despite the controversial VAR call, Eberechi Eze also had an influential game, showing his quality on the ball and proving to be the main creative threat for the Eagles. Their collective effort was the reason they left Stamford Bridge with a valuable point.
What This Result Means for Both Teams
For Chelsea, this feels like two points dropped rather than one gained. While the performance wasn't poor, the lack of a clinical finish is a major concern. It highlights the need for the team to find a way to break down stubborn, defensive sides. The positives are the promising debuts of the young players and a solid defensive performance, but the pressure will build on Enzo Maresca to find a winning formula quickly.
For Crystal Palace, this is a fantastic result. A clean sheet and a point away at a big London rival is the perfect way to start the season. It reinforces their reputation as a team that is incredibly difficult to beat under Oliver Glasner and will fill the squad with confidence for the challenges ahead. They proved that even without being at their best, they can frustrate and neutralize top teams.