Chelsea left a lot to be desired in their performance as Enzo Maresca began the new Premier League season with a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace.
The Blues played out a disappointing 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge as Maresca’s new-look attack struggled to break down a stubborn Crystal Palace backline.
Eberechi Eze nearly stole the three points for the visitors after his free-kick found the back of the net in the first half, but was ultimately disallowed after VAR intervention due to Marc Guehi’s positioning as the shot was taken.
Chelsea v Crystal Palace - Premier League
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Chelsea also came close to taking the lead courtesy of Marc Cucurella, who saw his header cleared off the line by Ismaila Sarr in a fiercely contested first half.
Despite Maresca failing to get the better of Oliver Glasner on the day, there is one Chelsea player who started at Stamford Bridge who may be the perfect solution to a long-term problem.
Josh Acheampong shines in defence for Chelsea
Maresca wants to sign a centre-back before the transfer window slams shut on 1 September and the Chelsea boss has been vocal about his intention to do so.
The Italian has stressed the importance of the central defender in his system and believes his side will struggle without proven quality in the position.
Josh Acheampong was selected for his third-ever Premier League start on Sunday, stepping up after Levi Colwill ruptured his ACL and his performance at Stamford Bridge will certainly make Maresca think twice about solving his problems in the market.
Josh Acheampong vs Crystal Palace Total
Touches 99
Pass Accuracy 93%
Ground Duels won 80%
Aerial Duels won 71%
Clearances 5
Interceptions 1
Tackles 2
Distance Covered 9.7km
Statistics provided by Sofascore.
The 19-year-old played the entirety of the Premier League curtain raiser and was dominant against the ever-present Jean-Philippe Mateta, helping his side keep a clean sheet in West London.
Indeed, he epitomised the modern ball-playing centre-back completing 93% of his 87 attempted passes and winning a combined nine out of 12 contested duels.
Chelsea may not need to sign another defender this summer
Although Liverpool transfer target Guehi could be an option for Chelsea, the West London outfit have already forked out big-money fees on several new additions this summer.
While Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile’s unavailability, paired with Colwill set to miss the majority of the season, does complicate matters, Acheampong has proven more than capable of starting in the Premier League.
Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace is challenged by Josh Acheampong of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.
Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
The defence was not the issue against Crystal Palace, as none of the Chelsea attackers covered themselves in glory at Stamford Bridge, particularly Cole Palmer, who endured an abysmal afternoon compared to his usual high standards.
Glasner’s men have shown they are one of the most dangerous attacking sides in the top-flight after putting two goals past Premier League champions Liverpool in the Community Shield.
However, the likes of Mateta and Eze couldn’t get the better of Acheampong; if that is not a glowing commendation that the young defender is ready for more minutes in the first team, there is not much else he could do to impress Maresca more.