Chelsea were unable to get off to the perfect start in the new Premier League season as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Crystal Palace.
The Blues were fortunate to not go into the half-time break a goal down after Eberechi Eze’s powerful free-kick was disallowed after hitting the net.
The goal was disallowed after Marc Guehi encroached too close to the defensive wall, however Chelsea couldn’t use the reprieve to kickstart their afternoon.
Enzo Maresca will have been impressed by the defensive performance of his players, given the injury problems that plagued his side going into the game.
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Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Chelsea player ratings vs Crystal Palace
The Chelsea Chronicle have issued player ratings from the Blues’ underwhelming start to the new campaign.
Robert Sanchez – 6/10
Questions would have been asked of Robert Sanchez if Eze’s free-kick would have stood, however other than that moment there were no real issues with his performance.
Reece James – 6/10
Reece James was very impressive when he did have the ball, however struggled against Eze down his side, picking up a yellow card in the first half.
The skipper was replaced in order to avoid the chance of them going down to 10 men.
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Josh Acheampong – 8/10
Despite being thrown into just his fourth start in the Premier League, Josh Acheampong proved he is more than ready at this level.
Was very confident on the ball, and strong in the battle with a physical Palace attack.
Trevoh Chalobah – 6/10
The senior man out of Chelsea’s back two, Trevoh Chalobah put in an assured performance alongside his new defensive partner.
With Levi Colwill set to miss the majority of the season, expect Chalobah to be a key man for Maresca at the back going forwards.
Marc Cucurella – 6/10
Marc Cucurella continued to pick up attacking positions, however struggled to really strike up any sort of connection with the winger ahead of him.
Moises Caicedo – 7/10
As has become the norm for Chelsea fans, they were greeted to a very solid performance in the middle of the park from Moises Caicedo.
The Ecuadorian was crucial in winning the ball back for his side, whilst also got the Blues moving at times with good forwards passing.
Enzo Fernandez – 4/10
Was the Chelsea player who looked as if the short pre-season had impacted the most. Enzo Fernandez struggled to get into the game, and looked sluggish when he was in possession.
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Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Cole Palmer – 5/10
Cole Palmer struggled to really impact the game for Chelsea, and not having their key man firing in attack greatly influenced their output.
He will be hoping that it will not take long to end his run of not scoring from open play in the Premier League, which extends back to January.
Pedro Neto – 5/10
Largely ineffective on both wings, Pedro Neto could not bring his electric Club World Cup form into the season opener.
Always looking to launch a quick counter attack, but was frequently let down by a poor weight of pass from whoever was providing.
Jamie Gittens – 5/10
Not the debut that Jamie Gittens was hoping for in the Premier League, as he struggled to make a real impact on the left wing.
The Englishman was replaced early in the second half by Estevao Willian.
Joao Pedro – 6/10
Joao Pedro got the nod up front, however was starved of service as Chelsea struggled for much of the afternoon.
Did look a constant threat when running in behind the Palace backline, however did not really get a chance to show the excellence that he has already shown for his new club.
Estevao Willian – 7/10
Estevao Willian instantly brought excitement to a Chelsea performance that was greatly lacking it before his introduction, almost setting up a goal with his first involvement.
Despite Maresca’s wish to ease him into the action at Stamford Bridge, it looks as if the Brazilian is going to be relied upon straight away after his move to the club.
Liam Delap – 6/10
Brought on too late to really impact the game, Liam Delap was not able to make it a dream debut, and dream start to the season for Chelsea.
Andrey Santos – N/A
Malo Gusto – N/A