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Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace: Report, result, goals as VAR rules Eze goal out in stalemate

Read a report as the sides share a stalemate

Written by Ben Miller
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Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace: Report, result, goals as VAR rules Eze goal out in stalemate

Eberechi Eze had an early free-kick ruled out following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review as Chelsea and Crystal Palace started their 2025/26 Premier League seasons with a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Playmaker Eze blasted his strike through Chelsea’s defensive wall and goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, but referee Darren England consulted his pitchside monitor to disallow the goal because Palace captain Marc Guehi was adjudged to have been less than a metre from the defensive wall when the free-kick was taken.

The England midfielder stung Sanchez’s palms during the second half and new Chelsea striker Liam Delap sent a 90th-minute effort straight at Dean Henderson when well-placed.

Henderson was rarely unduly tested but Andrey Santos sunk to the turf after spurning a chance in space inside the box during added time, with manager Enzo Maresca showing his dismay as the shot ballooned over the target.

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Chelsea vs Crystal Palace: Eze sign-off?

If Tottenham are to succeed with mooted negotiations for Eze next week, this was almost a sensational way for the 27-year-old to say goodbye, with only a rule that caused confusion among players, fans and pundits preventing him from scoring.

Palace went close again soon afterwards, Adam Wharton presenting Jean-Philippe Mateta with a chance that Sanchez saved, arguably redeeming himself after failing to stop Eze’s free-kick.

Oliver Glasner’s FA Cup winners beat Liverpool in the Community Shield last week and looked solid again this time, although they stand to lose their key creative inspiration if Eze joins Spurs.

For Chelsea, this represented a low-key start to a season in which many are tipping them to challenge, hindered by wasting fine chances.

Chelsea team vs Crystal Palace

Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro started for Chelsea, who were without Tosin Adarabioyo after the defender suffered a minor issue in training.

Brazil newcomer Estevao, 18, came off the bench after scoring against Chelsea at the Club World Cup and impressing during pre-season.

Key defender Levi Colwill is expected to miss the majority of the campaign with a serious knee injury and long-term absentee Wesley Fofana retured on the bench.

Defender Benoit Badiashile and midfielder Romeo Lavia are stepping up their recoveries from injuries.

Chelsea starting XI: Sanchez, James, Acheampong, Chalobah, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Neto, Palmer, Gittens, Joao Pedro

Chelsea substitutes: Jorgensen, Fofana, Gusto, Hato, Essugo, Andrey Santos, Delap, Estevao, George

Crystal Palace team vs Chelsea

Eze and Guehi started despite intense speculation around their futures with the Eagles.

England international Guehi has attracted interest from Liverpool.

Crystal Palace starting XI: Henderson, Munoz, Richards, Lacroix, Guehi, Mitchell, Wharton, Hughes, Sarr, Eze, Mateta

Crystal Palace substitutes: Benitez, Clyne, Cardines, Sosa, Lerma, Devenny, Esse, Rak-Sakyi, Edouard

Eberechi Eze and Ismaila Sarr celebrate a Crystal Palace goal

Chelsea, Crystal Palace fixtures

Chelsea are next in action away to West Ham on Friday, August 22 (20:00 BST / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT).

The Hammers lost their opener 3-0 at promoted Sunderland on Saturday.

Palace host Norwegian club Fredrikstad in the first leg of the Conference League play-offs at the same time the previous day.

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