Chelsea’s winless Premier League streak has extended to four matches after Jean-Philippe Mateta netted a late equalizer for Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
The Blues ended 2024 on a disappointing note, suffering two consecutive losses and failing to win in their last three matches. This poor form has carried over into 2025.
Chelsea got off to a strong start with Cole Palmer’s 13th league goal in the 14th minute, assisted by Jadon Sancho.
The Blues pushed for more goals, but Nicolas Jackson missed three opportunities, while Sancho, Moises Caicedo, and Josh Acheampong fired wide.
Crystal Palace didn’t test Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez until the 35th minute, with Jefferson Lerma’s shot comfortably collected.
Despite dominating the first half, Chelsea were nearly punished for failing to score a second when Eberechi Eze’s effort went narrowly wide after the restart.
As the game progressed, Palace began to press Chelsea more, and the Blues continued to squander chances to finish the game.
Jackson, Pedro Neto, and Enzo Fernandez all missed the target.
With less than 10 minutes remaining, Palace equalized when Mateta converted Eze’s square pass from close range.
The result leaves Crystal Palace unbeaten in three league matches and sitting 15th, while Chelsea remains in fourth.
Palace’s Performance: A Point Well Earned
Crystal Palace’s season has been marked by inconsistency, and this match at Selhurst Park summed it up.
The Eagles struggled to find momentum in the first half, picking up only 20 points from their first 19 games.
Despite a poor first 45 minutes, they improved significantly in the second half, showing more resolve to challenge Chelsea in the attacking third.
Palace’s biggest issue continues to be goal-scoring, with only Everton, Ipswich, and Southampton scoring fewer goals than their tally of 21.
However, their resilience in staying competitive in games is commendable. Mateta capitalized on a gift in the 82nd minute when Eze’s square pass allowed him to tap in the equalizer.
While Palace are still only six points clear of the relegation zone, the draw offers hope that the new year could bring more consistency and momentum.
Chelsea’s Missed Opportunities
Just a few weeks ago, Chelsea was on a 12-game unbeaten run and was being considered as potential Premier League title chachallengerow, the Blues have failed to win in three games, losing their final two matches of 2024, and are struggling to score goals.
Although Chelsea has the third-best goalscoring record in the league with 39 goals, they have scored only twice in their last four games.
After Palmer’s early goal, Chelsea had ample chances to put the game out of reach but failed to capitalize. Jackson’s inability to finish, alongside wayward shots from other players, ultimately cost them.
Chelsea’s failure to convert their chances leaves them nine points behind Liverpool, who also have a game in hand, making it unlikely that they can catch up.
For now, Chelsea’s focus will shift to maintaining their top-four position.