Crystal Palace 1-1 Chelsea: Blues' winless run continues as Cole Palmer's strike is cancelled out by Jean-Philippe Mateta's late equaliser
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The perils of not taking your chances. Nicolas Jackson was not the only culprit at Selhurst Park, but Chelsea's striker will face the the biggest chunk of the criticism. He in particular had the opportunities to finish this game, to give the visitors an unattainable lead. Instead, they contrived to throw it away, making it four matches without a win.
![[Cole Palmer (right) had given the Blues the lead after good work from Jadon Sancho (left)]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/04/17/93737717-14250013-image-a-33_1736010175942.jpg)
Chelsea's opener was a splendid move. Jadon Sancho grew up in South London, a cage footballer whose creativity could not be contained, and perhaps it was that return to his roots which brought out his best in that particular moment. Back in a postcode beginning with SE, he was a kid again. The pass from Levi Colwill had enough oomph on it that he knew if he let it run behind him, there was no way Chris Richards would catch up. So he pretended to collect it, then he didn't, and just like that, Chelsea led.
![[The Blues, however, have now gone four matches without a win in their bid to qualify for the Champions League]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/04/17/93738243-14250013-image-a-34_1736010218454.jpg)
Cole Palmer was the scorer after Sancho's assist. But it was Palmer who surrendered possession in the second half which allowed Palace to counter at speed and equalise via Jean-Philippe Mateta. With that, Chelsea's top-four chances took yet another hit.
![[Nicolas Jackson will face the most criticism for his missed chances throughout the afternoon]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/04/17/93738453-14250013-image-a-35_1736010594150.jpg)
A 0-0 draw with Everton, 2-1 loss to Fulham, 2-0 defeat by Ipswich and now 1-1 with Palace. Not the form of a Champions League-chasing club. Jean-Philippe Mateta's late goal ensured Crystal Palace took a point from their clash with Chelsea on Saturday. Cole Palmer (right) had given the Blues the lead after good work from Jadon Sancho (left).
![[Eberechi Eze, though, was important throughout for Palace and set up Mateta's strike]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/04/17/93738457-14250013-image-a-36_1736010596598.jpg)
