Chelsea and Crystal Palace played out a cagey 0-0 draw in their Premier League opener at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, as both sides struggled to find a cutting edge in front of goal.
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea began the campaign with renewed optimism after lifting the expanded Club World Cup over the summer and strengthening their squad with new attacking signings. Brazilian forward João Pedro was handed a starting role but failed to make an impact and was later replaced by Liam Delap. Despite enjoying spells of dominance, the Blues were unable to break down a disciplined Palace defence.
The visitors thought they had snatched a famous win when Eberechi Eze curled home a superb free kick in the second half, only for VAR to intervene and rule it out. Manager Oliver Glasner, leading Palace into a new season clouded by speculation over key players and the aftermath of their FA Cup triumph, will take heart from his side’s resilience in holding off Chelsea’s attacks.
The result leaves both London clubs sharing the spoils on opening weekend, with Chelsea left to rue missed chances and Palace encouraged by a point earned away from home.
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