Chelsea’s 2025–26 Premier League campaign got underway with a splutter as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.
The FIFA Club World Cup champions handed starts to new signings João Pedro and Jamie Gittens—the former given the nod over fellow new arrival Liam Delap—and teenager Josh Acheampong, who lined up alongside Trevoh Chalobah in central defence.
There was almost an early breakthrough for the Blues as Marc Cucurella’s flicked header from Reece James’s in-swinging corner was cleared off the line by Crystal Palace’s Ismaïla Sarr, but ten minutes later it looked as if Chelsea had fallen behind.
A thunderous free-kick from Eberechi Eze. the in-demand attacking midfielder who is front and centre of Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer radar, rocketed home from 20 yards out, bursting through the hands of goalkeeper Robert Sánchez.
But a little-known rule, infringed by Marc Guéhi, saw the goal ruled out, much to the delight of the vast majority inside Stamford Bridge.
