Chelsea FC‘s winless run in the Premier League stretched to four matches after a late goal from Jean-Philippe Mateta salvaged a 1-1 draw for
at Selhurst Park. This disappointing result follows a turbulent end to 2024 for Chelsea, who suffered back-to-back defeats and struggled to find their rhythm. Their problematic form has now carried over into 2025, leaving manager Mauricio Pochettino with plenty to reflect on.
Chelsea FC‘s Bright Start Diminishes as Mateta’s Equalizer Shocks the Blues
Chelsea FC appeared to be on track for a vital win after Cole Palmer opened the scoring in the 14th minute, following a superb assist from Jadon Sancho. Palmer’s 13th league goal of the season had the visitors in control, and it seemed as though Chelsea would extend their lead further. However, despite creating multiple opportunities, the Blues were unable to convert, and their inability to finish off the game allowed Crystal Palace to seize a late chance for a share of the spoils.
The first half saw Chelsea dominate possession and create a series of promising chances. Nicolas Jackson, in particular, had three excellent opportunities but failed to find the back of the net. Moises Caicedo and Josh Acheampong also saw their shots fly wide, leaving Chelsea frustrated with their inability to extend their advantage. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace struggled to get into the game, with their first real shot on target coming in the 35th minute. Jefferson Lerma’s effort, however, was comfortably saved by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Despite controlling the match for most of the first half, Chelsea FC could not capitalize on their superiority, and as the second half began, it was clear that Crystal Palace was not going to roll over. Eberechi Eze had a golden opportunity shortly after the restart, but his shot narrowly missed the target, signaling that Palace had found some form and were ready to make a push for an equalizer.
Crystal Palace‘s Improved Second Half and Mateta’s Late Heroics
Crystal Palace’s performance in the second half was a stark contrast to their lackluster first 45 minutes. The Eagles began to show more intent, with regular forays into Chelsea’s final third. Although scoring goals has been a major issue for Palace this season, their improved play and ability to test Chelsea’s defense demonstrated their resilience and determination to stay in the game.
Chelsea FC had their chances to seal the victory, but once again, their finishing let them down. Jackson, Pedro Neto, and Enzo Fernandez all fired wide of the target, leaving Palace with a glimmer of hope as the match entered its final stages. It was a lack of composure in front of goal that ultimately cost Chelsea, as they failed to capitalize on their chances when they were firmly in control.
As the clock ticked down, Crystal Palace took advantage of Chelsea’s missed opportunities. In the 82nd minute, Eze delivered a perfect pass across the face of goal, allowing Mateta to tap in from close range and equalize for the Eagles. The goal, coming just under 10 minutes from the final whistle, left Chelsea reeling, as their earlier dominance in the match went unrewarded.
Palace’s equalizer was a testament to their fighting spirit, and it gave the home side a much-needed point. The draw left Crystal Palace in 15th place in the Premier League, just six points clear of the relegation zone. Although they are still looking over their shoulder, this result provided hope that they could find the consistency and momentum needed to climb higher in the standings as 2025 progresses.
Chelsea FC‘s Inability to Convert Chances Proves Costly
Chelsea FC’s failure to secure all three points at Selhurst Park continues a troubling run of form for the club. After an impressive 12-game unbeaten streak across all competitions earlier in the season, the Blues have now failed to win in their last three league matches, with two consecutive defeats to close out 2024. This form has raised questions about Chelsea’s ability to challenge for the Premier League title, a feat that had seemed possible just weeks ago.
Chelsea’s attacking problems have been evident in recent weeks, as they have struggled to score goals, despite creating plenty of opportunities. In this match, Chelsea had more than enough chances to put the game to bed but failed to make their dominance count. Nicolas Jackson’s inability to convert, despite being in prime positions, was a major issue for Chelsea. The striker could have easily had a hat-trick, but his lack of clinical edge prevented him from doing so. This miss was emblematic of Chelsea’s broader issues in front of goal, with the Blues managing only two goals in their last four Premier League matches.
The Blues now find themselves in fourth place, but their recent form suggests that they may struggle to maintain that position if they cannot find a solution to their attacking woes. Chelsea’s nine-point gap to Liverpool, who also have a game in hand, now looks challenging to overcome. Pochettino and his staff will need to address these issues quickly, as the race for the top-four spots is expected to heat up in the coming months.
Crystal Palace‘s Season Encapsulated by Inconsistency
Crystal Palace’s performance against Chelsea was a microcosm of their season so far – inconsistent and unpredictable. The Eagles have struggled to build any significant momentum throughout the first half of the campaign, earning just 20 points from their opening 19 matches. Despite this, Palace’s ability to remain competitive in games is undeniable, and their resilience was on full display in their fightback against Chelsea.
The first half of the match saw Palace barely threaten Chelsea’s goal, but the second half was a different story. The Eagles showed more courage and commitment, pressing forward and creating regular opportunities to test Chelsea’s defense. While scoring goals remains a major concern for Palace – with only Everton, Ipswich, and Southampton having scored fewer than their 21 goals this season – their ability to stay in games and take advantage of mistakes is commendable.
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s late equalizer was a gift for the Frenchman, as Eze’s perfectly weighted ball across the goal allowed him to tap in from close range. This moment of quality highlighted the importance of Palace’s attacking players stepping up in critical moments, even if their overall goal-scoring record has been poor. Mateta’s goal provided a much-needed point for Crystal Palace, but it also raised questions about whether they can continue to rely on individual moments of brilliance to salvage results.
A Draw That Leaves Both Sides with Plenty to Ponder
The 1-1 draw between Crystal Palace and Chelsea FC left both teams with much to reflect on. For Chelsea, it was another missed opportunity to extend their advantage in the top-four race and address their attacking issues. With several key chances wasted, the Blues were left to rue their inability to put the game beyond reach. This result further highlights the challenges Chelsea FC face in 2025, as they look to bounce back from a disappointing end to the previous year.
For Crystal Palace, the draw offers a glimpse of hope amidst a season of inconsistency. While their inability to score remains a concern, their fighting spirit and resilience in this match gave fans reason to believe that better days could lie ahead. With a strong second-half performance against a top team like Chelsea, Palace will look to build on this result as they seek to climb away from the relegation zone.
Ultimately, the 1-1 draw between Crystal Palace and Chelsea FC was a reflection of both teams’ seasons so far – full of potential but marred by inconsistency and missed opportunities. Both sides will need to improve as the season progresses, with Chelsea aiming to challenge for a top-four spot and Crystal Palace hoping to find the consistency needed to move up the table.
