Eberechi Eze had a first-half goal disallowed as Crystal Palace held Chelsea to a goalless draw in Sunday's Premier League contest at Stamford Bridge.
Palace thought that they had taken the lead in the 13th minute, when a beautifully-struck free kick from Eze flew past Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
However, Eze's effort was chalked off following a VAR review, with Eagles captain Marc Guehi adjudged to have been less than one metre away from the Chelsea wall when the shot was taken.
Neither side could find the back of the net in the second period, with a largely uneventful contest finishing all square, and it proved to be a very frustrating afternoon for the home side.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi in action against Chelsea on August 17, 2025
Chelsea have been tipped to be potential title challengers this season, but the Blues, in truth, still look some way short of being capable of a first-placed finish in England's top flight.
There is plenty of quality in the squad, but they do not have a top-class goalkeeper, while it remains to be seen whether their defence or attack is strong enough to finish at the top of the division.
Palace once again showed their quality on Sunday, but it could be a very difficult end to the transfer window for the Eagles, with Eze and Guehi both potentially leaving.
Adam Wharton's future is also being called into question amid interest from Manchester United, and it would be devastating for the club if they lost two or three of their standout players in the final stages of the summer market.
This Palace team are an excellent outfit, with a push for Europe once again certainly not beyond them, but a lot could change in the final stages of the summer market.
CHELSEA VS. CRYSTAL PALACE HIGHLIGHTS
Eberechi Eze disallowed goal vs. Chelsea (13th min, Chelsea 0-0 Palace)
Eze, who could well be joining Tottenham Hotspur next week, smashes a free kick into the back of the net, but the goal is disallowed following a VAR check due to apparent interference from the wall, with Marc Guehi the offender.
However, it was later determined that Guehi was "less than one metre away from the wall as the shot is taken. Therefore, it's an indirect free kick and a disallowed goal," said PGMOL in a statement.
Ebere Eze, WOW! ? pic.twitter.com/S764jCWS0E
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 17, 2025
MAN OF THE MATCH - EBERECHI EZE
Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez and Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze on August 17, 2025Eze was unfortunate to have his free kick ruled out in the first period, and it was a stunning strike from the Englishman, but this could potentially be his final appearance for Palace.
Tottenham are pushing to sign the 27-year-old, and he would be a terrific acquisition for the North London club, with his quality on display once again at Stamford Bridge.
Eze had five shots in total and completed two successful dribbles, and he was the player taking the fight to Chelsea, who might be regretting not moving for the playmaker during the summer market.
CHELSEA VS. CRYSTAL PALACE MATCH STATS
Possession: Chelsea 70%-30% Crystal Palace
Shots: Chelsea 17-12 Crystal Palace
Shots on target: Chelsea 2-4 Crystal Palace
Corners: Chelsea 8-2 Barcelona
Fouls: Chelsea 10-12 Crystal Palace
BEST STAT
19 - Josh Acheampong (19y 104d) is the second youngest player to start for Chelsea in their opening game of a Premier League season, after Glen Johnson in 2003-04 (18y 359d). Confidence. pic.twitter.com/1ODi5I1J84
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 17, 2025
WHAT NEXT?
Chelsea have another London derby to look forward to in their next match, with Enzo Maresca's side heading to West Ham United next Friday for what is shaping up to be a blockbuster affair.
Palace, meanwhile, will take on Fredrikstad FK in the first leg of their Conference League playoff tie on Thursday night, before returning to league action at home to Nottingham Forest next Sunday.
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