Chelsea’s 2025/26 campaign began on a frustrating note as Enzo Maresca’s side were held to a goalless draw against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge. The result was far from the ideal start for a team that had generated plenty of optimism following an ambitious summer transfer window. Supporters had expected an attacking display filled with intensity and sharpness, but instead, they were served a performance that felt sluggish and uninspired.
The game could have taken a completely different turn had Eberechi Eze’s stunning free-kick in the first half not been overturned by VAR. The Palace star struck beautifully, leaving Robert Sánchez with no chance, but technology intervened to save Chelsea from an early setback. That moment highlighted just how fine the margins were in a match where the Blues never really imposed themselves and instead found themselves fortunate not to be punished further.
Individually, several Chelsea players delivered mixed performances. Robert Sánchez was one of the more reliable figures, making four crucial saves to ensure his team did not end up on the losing side. At the back, young defender Josh Acheampong impressed with composure well beyond his years, while Trevoh Chalobah provided stability in Levi Colwill’s absence. Marc Cucurella and Reece James both looked bright moving forward but were undone at times by Palace’s wide threats, particularly Eze.
In midfield, Moisés Caicedo stood out with his energy, ball-winning ability, and forward drive, yet he lacked the final touch needed to spark Chelsea’s attacking transitions. His partner, Enzo Fernández, endured a much more disappointing afternoon. Signed for a staggering £95 million, the Argentine looked heavy-legged and short of rhythm, failing to provide the creativity or authority the team badly needed. Maresca suggested fatigue from the Club World Cup schedule may have played a role, but that explanation is unlikely to satisfy the fans, who expect far more from such an expensive signing.
Further up the pitch, Chelsea’s frontline failed to click. Cole Palmer, usually the side’s creative heartbeat, could not influence the game and looked far below his usual standards. New signing Jamie Gittens showed glimpses of his direct style but was unable to fully adapt on debut. Pedro Neto, a player who shone at the Club World Cup, failed to replicate that form, while Joao Pedro cut a lonely figure in attack, isolated and starved of service. The substitutions of Estevão Willian, Liam Delap, Malo Gusto, and Andrey Santos injected some freshness, but none managed to alter the flow of the match.
Overall, the performance highlighted the challenges Maresca faces in molding this newly assembled squad into a cohesive unit. With so many signings and high expectations, patience may be required, but the pressure of the Premier League leaves little room for sluggish starts. The fans voiced their frustration at both the result and individual displays, particularly Fernández’s, with many demanding quicker improvements from the team.
If Chelsea are to mount a serious push for silverware this season, their big names will have to step up sooner rather than later. Matches like these — at home against mid-table opposition — are the ones they must dominate, not merely survive. For now, the stalemate serves as an early reminder that hype alone does not win matches, and Maresca’s project at Stamford Bridge still has a long way to go before it lives up to its promise.
