It proved to be a frustrating afternoon at the Bridge as Chelsea had to settle for a goalless draw against Crystal Palace in our Premier League 2025/26 opener.
The Blues created chances in either half, with new signing Estevao and Andrey Santos among those who went close in the second half, and Palace saw a first-half free-kick from Eberechi Eze ruled out following a VAR check.
But despite enjoying 71 per cent of the possession and creating more chances, the Blues had to settle for a point against our London neighbours.
Debut for signing
Jamie Gittens, signed from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, was one of those named in the starting line-up, as he lined up on the left flank and Pedro Neto on the other side, with Cole Palmer centrally behind Joao Pedro.
Among the other talking points was the selection of 19-year-old Josh Acheampong in the heart of defence alongside Trevoh Chalobah, with Levi Colwill set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines following knee surgery and the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile not fit enough to be included in the matchday squad.
Summer signings Jorrel Hato, Dario Essugo, Estevao and Liam Delap were among the substitutes.
Chelsea started brightly and almost scored inside three minutes when Reece James' corner was flicked on at the near post by Marc Cucurella but the backtracking Ismaila Sarr managed to head clear on his own line.
Palace regained parity and thought they had taken the lead when Eze thumped a free-kick just outside the penalty area past Robert Sanchez on 12 minutes. But as the players went to take the restart, referee Darren England was sent to the monitor, which showed Marc Guehi had got within 1m of the Blues wall and the goal was ruled out.
Maresca's formation saw Acheampong in the heart of a back three when in possession, with Chalobah on the left and James tucking in on the right, as Cucurella pushed forward to try to create the overload higher up the pitch.
Acheampong impressed in the first half as he carried the ball past Jean-Phillippe Mateta when the Palace forward pressed and started attacks on a few occasions.
Chelsea enjoyed another period of dominance midway through the half, as Cole Palmer curled a shot wide, Joao Pedro's effort was blocked and Pedro Neto, Caicedo and Chalobah all saw strikes deflected over the bar.
It was an initial 45 minutes with few clear-cut openings, though, as the opening period ended with Cucurella flashing a shot from distance over the bar, and both teams went into the break looking for an improved second half.
There was an early change from Maresca as Estevao was introduced for Gittens nine minutes into the second half and he made an immediate impact, driving at Tyrick Mitchell and delivering a cross from the byline which was only just too high for Neto, who had switched over to the left flank following the Brazilian's arrival.
Neto's influence was growing following his switch to the left as he was involved in three chances in quick succession. First it was his corner which was headed over by Joao Pedro from close range and then his delivery from the left saw Joao Pedro unable to get on the end of it, and Palmer's follow-up was blocked.
The best of the three started with Neto sliding the ball into the path of Palmer on the left-side of the penalty area and his low cross reached Estevao ten yards out. But after his touch took the ball a little further away than he would hope, the teenager's rising shot went wide of the post.
Palace were proving a tough nut to crack and also fired a warning shot as we entered the final ten minutes, with Eze smashing a shot from distance which Sanchez could only parry over the bar.
The Blues kept pushing for a winner and substitute Liam Delap forced a save in the final minute of normal time but failed to make a strong enough connection with the shot and it was easily saved.
Estevao almost caught out Dean Henderson when whipping in a corner to the near post soon after and it looked as though the Blues might score a dramatic winner when good hold-up play from Delap led to a cross from Cucurella but Andrey Santos flashed his shot from the edge of the box over the bar, in what proved to be the final chance of the game.
What it means
The point apiece means Chelsea and Crystal Palace currently occupy ninth and tenth place, with Manchester United versus Arsenal kicking off at 4.30pm this afternoon and Everton taking on Leeds United on Monday night.
What's next
Next up for the Blues is another London derby, as we travel to London Stadium to face West Ham United on Friday night. Once again, the match will be live on Sky Sports and will kick off at 8pm.
The teams
Chelsea: Sanchez; James (c) (Gusto 79), Acheampong, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo (Andrey Santos 79); Neto, Palmer, Gittens (Estevao 54); Joao Pedro (Delap 74)
Subs not used: Jorgensen, Fofana, Hato, Essugo, George
Bookings: James 24, Estevao 73
Crystal Palace: Henderson; Munoz, Richards, Lacroix, Guehi (c), Mitchell; Hughes (Lerma 70), Wharton; Sarr, Eze (Devenny 84); Mateta
Subs not used: BenÃtez, Clyne, Sosa, Cardines, Rak-Sakyi, Esse, Edouard
Bookings: Munoz 28, Mateta 33, Hughes 49
Referee: Darren EnglandAttendance: 39,678