Chelsea and Palace share the points after VAR call

Eberechi Eze's free-kick was ruled out after a Palace player stood near the Chelsea wall, leaving Chelsea and Palace to share the points at Stamford Bridge.

Palace Hold Chelsea to 0-0 as Eze Farewell Goal Is Ruled Out

Crystal Palace and Chelsea finished 0-0 at Stamford Bridge in a tense London derby. Palace had hopes of a late farewell for Eze when his early free-kick found the net, but a VAR check ruled it out after a Palace player stood near the wall. Referee Darren England also penalised Marc Guéhi for straying within a metre of the wall as Moisés Caicedo challenged. Chelsea showed signs of rust after a prize-laden summer, with wayward passes and few clear chances. Palace pressed on the counter and defended stoutly, while Enzo Maresca reshaped the side with substitutes, and Palace’s solidity suggested they remain dangerous even amid transfer talk about Eze and Guéhi.

This result shows two contrasting realities. Chelsea have money and expectations, but chemistry and tempo lag behind. Palace mix discipline with ambition, proving they can disrupt even title challengers when their plans click. The incident underlines how VAR and strict interpretation of the wall rule can tilt a game, affecting not just the score but futures in the transfer market and fans’ trust in officiating.

Highlights

Officiating debates will carry into the next round of fixtures.