Chelsea’s Premier League campaign began on a frustrating note as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday, just weeks after being crowned Club World Cup champions.
The Blues struggled for creativity in attack, with new signing Estevão wasting their best chance when he blazed wide from close range. Palace thought they had taken the lead through Eberechi Eze’s thunderous free-kick, but VAR ruled it out after Marc Guehi was adjudged to have fouled Moises Caicedo in the wall.
Despite speculation linking Eze with Tottenham and Guehi with Liverpool, both started and impressed in what was a resolute defensive display by Palace.
Chelsea, who had thrashed PSG 3-0 in the Club World Cup final last month, failed to replicate that cutting edge. Cole Palmer and João Pedro, standout performers in New York, were largely anonymous as Enzo Maresca’s side looked short of ideas.
Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest got off to a flying start with a 3-1 victory over Brentford. Chris Wood scored twice while debutant Dan Ndoye also found the net.
New Brentford boss Keith Andrews endured a difficult afternoon, with key departures — including Thomas Frank, Bryan Mbeumo, and Christian Nørgaard — leaving the Bees depleted. Igor Thiago’s late penalty was their only consolation.
Arsenal, runners-up for the last three seasons, kick off their campaign later on Sunday away to Manchester United at Old Trafford.
