Sanchez explains Chelsea's struggle against Palace

Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez explains where Chelsea fell short in the goalless draw with Crystal Palace.

Sanchez explains Chelsea's struggle against Palace

Chelsea were held to a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge as Crystal Palace pressed in patches and Chelsea chased a breakthrough after a short pre-season. Sanchez said Palace sat in and Chelsea found it hard to unlock space in the middle, a problem made tougher by injuries in defense which forced a makeshift partnership at center back. The first half produced few clear chances, and Chelsea also had to cope with the absence of regular starters while two summer signings started but failed to make a strong impact.

Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens started on the wing for Maresca's side, but their influence was limited. Substitutes Liam Delap and Estevao Willian offered late energy, with Delap testing Palace late on. Eberechi Eze’s first-half free-kick for Palace was disallowed after a wall infringement, a moment that underscored Chelsea's fragility in creating clear openings. Andrey Santos came on for his league debut and also spurred a late effort, though no goal followed.

The game shows Chelsea still refining a compact, resilient shape after a brief pre-season and several injury setbacks. Midfield balance remains a work in progress, with Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo crowded out and space hard to find. Maresca will want to convert hints of quality on the ball into consistent chances while protecting a defense that had to improvise at centre back.

Looking ahead, Chelsea will need sharper ball movement and better connective play between midfield and attack to turn these tight games into wins. The transfer market chatter around Eze hints at wider pressures on the squad to deliver results, and the club will be watched closely as it builds its identity under Maresca. Improving depth and durability could be the difference in a season that starts with small margins counting more than ever.

Highlights

The next tests will reveal if Maresca can translate this setup into sustained threat when the season intensifies.