Chelsea player ratings vs Crystal Palace: Cole Palmer brilliant as Enzo Fernandez makes Blues tick

Chelsea were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace in Sunday’s London derby at Selhurst Park. Nicolas Jackson gave the Blues an early lead, but Eberechi Eze’s stunning second-half strike leveled the match.

Jackson, who has been in good form lately, netted his second goal in as many Premier League games, capping off a well-executed counter-attack led by Noni Madueke and Cole Palmer. The Blues dominated the first half and looked poised for victory.

However, the second half told a different story. Crystal Palace came out stronger after the break, and Eze’s brilliant goal earned them their first Premier League point of the season.

Chelsea Player Ratings

Robert Sanchez – 5
Sanchez had little to do for most of the game but was left with no chance to stop Eze’s superb finish. He had a nervous moment when he fumbled a shot from Kamada.

Malo Gusto – 6
Gusto was a threat down the right flank in the first half but struggled after the break as Eze began to influence the game more. Unfortunately, he was forced off with an injury.

Wesley Fofana – 6
Fofana handled the physical presence of Mateta well and was solid overall, though he did pick up a yellow card.

Levi Colwill – 7
Colwill delivered a composed performance, making a key interception that led to Jackson’s goal. He was denied a goal himself by a fine save from Henderson.

Marc Cucurella – 5
Cucurella had a shaky start, particularly when facing Muniz and Kamada, as Palace targeted him with high balls.

Enzo Fernandez – 7
Fernandez was central to Chelsea’s play, including a lovely lofted pass that created a chance for Madueke.

Moises Caicedo – 6
Caicedo did well in a defensive role, making several crucial interceptions to protect the backline.

Noni Madueke – 7
Madueke was lively, shrugging off an early miss to hit the bar and then set up Jackson’s goal with a brilliant run. However, he faded in the second half.

Cole Palmer – 8
Palmer was excellent, marking his first year at Chelsea with a brilliant assist for Jackson’s goal. His free-kick was also impressively saved by the Palace keeper.

Pedro Neto – 6
Neto made his first Premier League start since joining from Wolves but didn’t see much of the ball, as Chelsea’s attacks mostly came down the other wing. He was booked.

Nicolas Jackson – 6
Jackson was on target again with a simple finish from Palmer’s pass but missed two chances to win the game in stoppage time. He also picked up an unnecessary booking for kicking the ball away.

Substitutes

Joao Felix (Neto 58’) – 6
Felix showed some neat touches after coming on but didn’t make a significant impact.

Mykhailo Mudryk (Gusto 74’) – 6
Mudryk came on for the injured Gusto and had little time to make an impact.

Christopher Nkunku (Madueke 86’) – N/A
Nkunku came on too late to influence the game.

Unused Substitutes: Jorgensen, Tosin, Disasi, Veiga, Dewsbury-Hall, Casadei.