Eberechi Eze’s outstanding goal in the second half dashed Chelsea’s hopes of securing a much-needed second consecutive Premier League win, exposing the team’s ongoing struggle with inconsistent performances.
This match came on the heels of a spectacular 6-2 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers, where Noni Madueke was the star with a sensational 15-minute hat-trick.
However, Chelsea’s return to Stamford Bridge ended in a frustrating 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace, as their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities proved costly once again.
In the game against Palace, Chelsea found it difficult to recreate the attacking dominance they had displayed against Wolves, especially in the final third of the pitch.
The same team that had been so clinical in their finishing just days before seemed unable to find the back of the net.
Pedro Neto, a significant summer signing from Wolverhampton for £54 million, was particularly disappointing in this encounter.
Despite his promising performance in the previous match, where he contributed an assist, Neto was largely ineffective against Palace.
Neto’s underwhelming display fell short of the expectations Chelsea had when they brought him in.
Making only his third appearance for the club, he struggled to make any meaningful impact on the game.
Neto recorded zero shots on target and only managed 22 touches throughout the match, which was notably fewer than Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who had 41 touches.
Furthermore, Neto failed to deliver any accurate crosses from his four attempts, further underscoring his difficulties during the game.
Scott Wilson, writing for GOAL, rated Neto’s performance a mere 4/10, highlighting how the winger struggled, particularly as Chelsea’s offensive efforts were primarily concentrated on the right side of the field.
This left Neto isolated and unable to influence the game, marking a stark contrast to his form at Wolves, where he had achieved nine assists in 20 Premier League appearances the previous season, despite battling injuries.
Chelsea must now hope that Neto can fulfill the potential they saw in him when they signed him, as he could be a formidable asset in the Premier League when playing at his best.
However, with an important match against AFC Bournemouth approaching, Chelsea’s manager, Enzo Maresca, might consider benching the underperforming winger.
Maresca faces the tough task of evaluating his attacking options and finding a more effective lineup.
During the match against Palace, Maresca decided to substitute Neto in the 58th minute, bringing on Joao Felix, another recent addition to the squad who can also play on the left wing.
Felix, who returned to Stamford Bridge this summer after a stint with Atletico Madrid, is keen to establish himself as a regular starter.
He has shown promise with six goals in ten appearances as a left winger for Atletico, which could give Maresca another viable option for strengthening Chelsea’s attack.
Moreover, Maresca must navigate the challenge of integrating Jadon Sancho into the team.
Sancho, recently acquired from Manchester United, is looking to rejuvenate his Premier League career and could be a strong contender to start in the upcoming match against Bournemouth.
The international break offers Sancho valuable time to adjust to his new environment, potentially boosting his chances of featuring in the next game.
In addition, Maresca must assess the form of Mykhaylo Mudryk, who has yet to fully justify his spot in the starting lineup.
Although Mudryk did contribute a key pass late in the game against Palace, his overall performance has been lackluster, with only seven goals and five assists in 61 appearances for Chelsea.
With an extended international break on the horizon, Maresca has a critical opportunity to address these issues on the training ground.
This period will be crucial for Chelsea to regroup, refine their strategies, and enhance their consistency as they prepare for the challenges that lie ahead in the Premier League season.
