Unrelenting Palace Hold Chelsea To 0-0 At Stamford Bridge

Last Updated:August 17, 2025, 22:01 IST

Chelsea struggled offensively in a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace. Palace's Eze had a goal disallowed by VAR. Nottingham Forest beat Brentford 3-1, easing pre-season concerns.

Chelsea just couldn't find a way through Crystal Palace. (AFP Photo)

Chelsea experienced a post-Club World Cup slump, narrowly securing a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace in their Premier League opener on Sunday.

Palace were denied an early lead when Eberechi Eze’s free-kick was disallowed following a VAR review, ruling Marc Guehi for obstructing the Chelsea wall.

New Chelsea signing Estevao came closest to scoring for the home team, but the recently crowned world champions struggled offensively against a well-organised Palace defence.

Despite speculation linking Guehi and Eze with moves to Liverpool and Tottenham respectively, both players started for Palace.

“As long as they are 100 percent committed, they will play as they are so good," said Palace boss Oliver Glasner. “They didn’t just show they are great footballers, but they are great persons and that’s what I expected."

Eze believed he had scored with a powerful free-kick that beat Robert Sanchez, but the goal was disallowed due to Guehi creating a gap by pushing Moises Caicedo into the Chelsea wall.

Chelsea’s recent victory over European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final had raised expectations for their Premier League campaign. However, Enzo Maresca lamented the lack of preparation time since their win in New York just 35 days ago.

“They played about eight (pre-season) games, we played just two so we tried our best," said the Italian. “We expected a tough game. Apart from the first half free-kick, we didn’t concede any chances."

Estevao, who scored against Chelsea at the Club World Cup in his final game for Palmeiras, showed promise but lacked composure when he missed a chance from the middle of the box.

Nottingham Forest dismissed manager Nuno Espirito Santo’s pre-season concerns over a lack of signings with a convincing 3-1 victory over a heavily rotated Brentford.

Chris Wood scored twice, with Dan Ndyoe also netting on his debut for Forest, making it a tough afternoon for new Brentford boss Keith Andrews.

“It was a very good first half. The combinations were really good, beautiful goals," said Nuno. “This is why we are insisting on a good balanced squad that gives us options and solutions."

Brentford lost their manager, captain, and top scorer in the off-season. Thomas Frank left for Tottenham, Bryan Mbeumo moved to Manchester United, and Arsenal signed Christian Norgaard. Yoane Wissa was also absent, expected to join Newcastle.

Igor Thiago’s penalty goal late on was the only consolation for Brentford.

“I do have genuine belief but we have to take responsibility for a first half that wasn’t good enough," said Andrews.

(With AFP Inputs)

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First Published:

August 17, 2025, 22:01 IST

News sports Unrelenting Palace Hold Chelsea To 0-0 At Stamford Bridge

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