Crystal Palace vs Chelsea: Mateta cancels out Palmer strike as Eagles derail Blues' title hopes
Chelsea suffered a late blow against Crystal Palace, and have now failed to win each of their last four Premier League matches (D2, L2).
A point at Palace.#CFC | #CRYCHE pic.twitter.com/z3hbiTpQgL
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 4, 2025
Chelsea began on the front foot, dictating the tempo of the game, and their early pressure paid off as Cole Palmer fired them into a deserved lead.
The 22-year-old broke the deadlock with a sweet finish that owed a lot to Jadon Sancho's dazzling run down the left wing.
Jadon hitting the cold celebration. 😅#CFC | #CRYCHE pic.twitter.com/KBlSeVyEVY
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 4, 2025
However, despite their dominance, Chelsea were unable to find the second goal to effectively kill off the contest and Nicolas Jackson in particular, was wasteful in front of goal.
Crystal Palace capitalized through Jean-Philippe Mateta, who struck the equalizer, blasting home from close range after being teed up by Eberechi Eze.
🤌#CPFC // #CRYCHE pic.twitter.com/dsovky8MmG
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) January 4, 2025
The goal eased Palace's relegation worries, while Chelsea were left to settle for a point.
The draw leaves Enzo Maresca's men in fourth place, just one point ahead of Newcastle United, while Crystal Palace move up to 15th, six points clear of the relegation zone.