— follow @centerofgoals (@GeorgePeig79160) January 4, 2025
— follow @centerofgoals (@GeorgePeig79160) January 4, 2025
Chelsea’s winless streak in the Premier League stretched to four games as a late defensive error allowed Crystal Palace to snatch a 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park. Jean-Philippe Mateta’s 82nd-minute goal cancelled out Cole Palmer’s first-half opener, leaving the Blues frustrated and their top-four hopes further dented.
FULL-TIME: 🦅 Crystal Palace 1-1 Chelsea 🔵
— Match Spoots (@matchspoots) January 4, 2025
Chelsea's 🏆 ambitions take a hit with a frustrating 𝗦𝗘𝗧𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞 at Selhurst Park. ⚽
#PremierLeague #CRYCHE #CFC #PL pic.twitter.com/5PGt4c4sve
First-Half Dominance Fails to Yield Results
Chelsea started brightly, with Cole Palmer breaking the deadlock in the 14th minute. The young midfielder showcased his composure, slotting the ball through Marc Guehi’s legs after a slick assist from Jadon Sancho. The visitors dominated possession and created several chances, but their inability to convert proved costly.
Nicolas Jackson missed a golden opportunity to double the lead, volleying wide from a free-kick. Despite Chelsea’s control, Palace’s defence held firm, and the Eagles gradually grew into the game. Moises Caicedo and Robert Sanchez combined to deny Mateta and Eberechi Eze, ensuring Chelsea went into the break with a slender advantage.
Palace’s Resilience Pays Off
The second half saw Crystal Palace grow in confidence. Daniel Munoz and Eze linked up well, but the latter fired wide from a promising position. Chris Richards then forced Sanchez into a fine save from a corner, signalling Palace’s intent to fight back.
Chelsea, however, continued to waste chances. Enzo Fernandez and Jackson both missed opportunities to extend the lead, leaving the door open for Palace. The home side’s persistence finally paid off in the 82nd minute when Mateta capitalised on a late defensive error to level the score. Ismaila Sarr’s driving run and Eze’s clever pass set up the French striker, who made no mistake from close range.
VAR Drama and Late Drama
The goal was initially checked for a potential handball in the build-up, but VAR confirmed the equaliser, much to the delight of the Selhurst Park faithful. Chelsea pushed for a winner in the dying minutes, but Dean Henderson’s heroics, including a crucial punch from a corner, ensured Palace held on for a hard-fought point.
