Chelsea draw opens door for Newcastle and Man City in top-four race | OneFootball

Chelsea’s winless run extended to four matches as Jean-Philippe Mateta’s late equaliser secured Crystal Palace a 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park yesterday.

After a dominant start, Chelsea took the lead when Cole Palmer finished off a fine move orchestrated by Jadon Sancho after 14 minutes.

It was Palmer’s 13th Premier League goal of the season, a testament to his growing influence in Enzo Maresca’s side.

However, Chelsea’s inability to convert their chances proved costly. Nicolas Jackson squandered several opportunities, while Josh Acheampong also failed to make an impact in front of goal.

Despite their first-half control, Chelsea were punished in the 82nd minute. Eberechi Eze capitalised on a misplaced pass, driving into the box and setting up Mateta for a simple tap-in.

It was a moment that underlined Chelsea’s growing fragility in key moments.

Maresca expressed frustration at his team’s missed opportunities but maintained optimism about their attacking potential.

“The important thing is to create chances because that means we are doing the right things,” the Chelsea manager said.

“But then you need to take those chances. It’s something we need to improve, even though we are one of the best teams in terms of scoring goals this season.”

The result leaves Chelsea fourth in the Premier League table with 35 points, but their position is under increasing pressure.

Newcastle United are just one point behind in fifth, and Manchester City, fresh from a commanding 4-1 victory over Fulham, sit two points adrift in sixth.

Maresca acknowledged the tightening race for Champions League spots. “We have to be more clinical if we want to stay in the top four,” he added. “The competition around us is intense, and every point matters.”

With just two goals scored in their last four games, the Blues must rediscover their cutting edge quickly, especially with crucial fixtures ahead and a tightening race for European qualification.