Jean-Philippe Mateta’s late equaliser earned Crystal Palace a 1-1 draw with Chelsea, extending the Blues’ winless streak in the Premier League to four matches.
Chelsea were bright from the first minute and took the lead in the 14th minute when Jadon Sancho’s deft dummy saw him attack the Palace defence before feeding Cole Palmer, who finished delicately past Dean Henderson. The visitors controlled the early exchanges, but could not convert that into goals as they failed to take advantage, with Nicholas Jackson spurning a golden opportunity to double their advantage.
Palace developed in the game after the break, with Eberechi Eze nearly equalising with a haphazard finish from an Ismaïla Sarr cross. As pressure increased, Mateta forced Chelsea’s defence into action before eventually finding the net in the 81st minute, reacting fastest to a misplaced Palmer pass and slamming home a low strike.
Enzo Fernández got away with a second yellow late on, but Chelsea would ultimately drop two precious points. Palace stay 15th, however, choking for home form with only two wins in 11 works games at Selhurst Park.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s dwindling title hopes take yet another blow as they now sit nine points behind leaders Liverpool with two more games played.
