Chelsea 1-1 Crystal Palace
It doesn’t matter how many players are in your squad, getting the best out of them remains the challenge.
Chelsea are a club with a ‘more the merrier’ mindset, constantly topping up the talent pool. But manager Enzo Maresca, whose overriding passion is for possession football, is struggling to turn 'keep ball' into results.
The first London derby of the season at Stamford Bridge saw Crystal Palace hold Chelsea to a frustrating 1-1 draw ahead of the international break, with the Blues unable to find a winner.
The Eagles’ Ebeerchi Eze scored a fine individual goal to wipe out Nico Jackson’s first-half breakaway strike, which saw the trusted partnership of Noni Madueke and Cole Palmer link up to provide the assist.
But even when ref Jarred Gillett added eight minutes of stoppage time at the end, Chelsea were unable to create the one clear-cut chance they needed.
Yet another new signing, Jadon Sancho, on loan from United, was paraded before kick-off (it’s only £140 for a replica shirt with his name on, by the way), but shoehorning him into an already crowded midfield will take some doing.
Palace frustrated Chelsea at the weekend, with the Blues apparently finding it easier to relax and play good football away from home than in front of the season ticket-holders of SW6.
The Eagles were fortunate not to be reduced to 10 men after ref Gillett decided not to show a second yellow to Will Hughes for bringing down Palmer. But the visitors – especially keeper Dean Henderson – smothered and subdued Chelsea’s repeated attacks, leaving the Blues still looking for a first home win of the season.
Next up for the men, Bournemouth away on Saturday 14 September.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and unless specifically stated are not necessarily those of Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
