EPL: Chelsea's Winless Run Continues as Palace Earn Valuable Point

Crystal Palace came from behind to earn a valuable point against Chelsea, with Jean-Philippe Mateta's late strike canceling out Cole Palmer's opener.

Chelsea's winless streak in the Premier League has now stretched to four games, following a late equalizer by Jean-Philippe Mateta, which secured a draw for Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The Blues' disappointing end to 2024, marked by consecutive defeats and a three-game winless run, has regrettably carried over into the new year.

Chelsea got off to a promising start, with Cole Palmer scoring his 13th league goal in the 14th minute, courtesy of an impressive assist from Jadon Sancho. However, despite their dominant play, the Blues were unable to capitalize on their momentum, with Nicolas Jackson squandering three scoring opportunities. Sancho, Moises Caicedo, and Josh Acheampong also failed to find the target with their shots.

Crystal Palace, on the other hand, struggled to create meaningful chances, with their first shot on target not arriving until the 35th minute. Jefferson Lerma's effort was comfortably saved by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, as the Eagles labored to find their footing in the match.

Chelsea's dominance in the first half failed to yield a decisive advantage, and they were nearly punished for their profligacy when Eberechi Eze fired narrowly wide shortly after the restart. This close call served as a warning sign that the match was about to become more competitive, with Palace beginning to pose a threat to Chelsea's stuttering offense.

As the game intensified, Chelsea squandered several opportunities to put the match beyond Palace's reach. Jackson, Pedro Neto, and Enzo Fernandez all failed to capitalize, firing wide of the target. Palace's persistence ultimately paid off, as they secured the equalizer with just under 10 minutes remaining. Jean-Philippe Mateta tapped in from a couple of yards out, meeting Eze's precise square ball to level the score.

The hard-fought draw extends Palace's unbeaten run in the league to three matches, with the Eagles now sitting 15th in the table. Meanwhile, Chelsea remain in fourth place, still seeking to consolidate their position in the top four.

Crystal Palace's 2024-2025 season has been epitomized by their performance against Chelsea at Selhurst Park - a microcosm of their inconsistent campaign. With only 20 points accumulated from 19 matches, Palace has struggled to build momentum and establish a consistent rhythm. Their inability to string together a series of positive results has left them hovering precariously above the relegation zone.

The match against Chelsea perfectly encapsulated Palace's Jekyll-and-Hyde nature. A lackluster first half, during which they barely threatened Chelsea's goal, was followed by a vastly improved performance in the second period. Palace demonstrated greater courage and intent in the final third, regularly testing Chelsea's defense and ultimately reaping the rewards with Jean-Philippe Mateta's 82nd-minute equalizer.

Palace's struggles in front of goal remain a significant concern, with only three teams - Everton, Ipswich, and Southampton - having scored fewer than their tally of 21 goals. However, their ability to stay competitive and grind out results, as evident in this draw against Chelsea, is a valuable asset. The point earned from this match keeps Palace six points clear of the relegation zone, offering a glimmer of hope that the new year may bring the consistency and momentum they have been seeking.

Just a few weeks ago, Chelsea were basking in the glory of a 12-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, sparking whispers of a potential Premier League title challenge to Liverpool. However, the Blues' fortunes have taken a drastic turn, with the team now winless in three games, including their last two outings of 2024. Chelsea's attacking prowess, which was once a hallmark of their success, has deserted them, with the team struggling to find the back of the net.

Despite boasting an impressive goalscoring record, with only Liverpool and Tottenham having scored more than their 39 goals, Chelsea have alarmingly scored only twice in their last four matches. After Cole Palmer's 13th goal of the season gave Chelsea a first-half lead, the Blues seemed poised to cruise to victory. However, a series of missed opportunities, particularly by Nicolas Jackson, who squandered multiple chances for a hat-trick, allowed Palace to stay in the game.

Chelsea's profligacy ultimately proved costly, as they failed to register a single shot on target in the second half. The team's inability to kill off the game left them vulnerable to a Palace equalizer, which duly arrived through Jean-Philippe Mateta's late strike. With a nine-point gap now separating Chelsea from Liverpool, who also possess a game in hand, the Blues' title aspirations appear increasingly forlorn. As a result, Chelsea's focus may shift towards consolidating their top-four position.