Chelsea player ratings vs Crystal Palace, Josh Acheampong dazzles as summer signing flops

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Enzo Maresca failed to maintain his Club World Cup form as his Chelsea side floundered in a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace.

The visitors could have left Stamford Bridge with the three points after Eberechi Eze’s free-kick hit the back of the net, but it was disallowed after Marc Guehi was less than one metre from the wall as the shot was taken – therefore, the effort counted as an indirect free-kick.

Controversy aside, Marc Cucurella came close to giving Chelsea the lead after his header was cleared off the line by Ismaila Sarr.

Nicolas Jackson was absent from the matchday squad as he served the final game of his three-match suspension following his red card dismissal in the 2-0 loss against Newcastle United last season.

The battle continued throughout the second half, as neither side came close to breaking the deadlock in West London, with Chelsea’s new-look attack failing to break down the opposition.

Chelsea player ratings vs Crystal Palace

Robert Sanchez – 6

The Spaniard had his blushes spared after Eze’s free-kick was overturned by VAR. Otherwise, Sanchez had a solid showing in the Chelsea goal and earned his first clean sheet of the campaign.

Reece James – 7

Although Reece James spent the entirety of the second half walking a tightrope whilst on a yellow card, he produced a commendable performance at Stamford Bridge. With Eze as his opposite number, the captain did well to nullify his fellow countryman’s threat.

Josh Acheampong – 8

The 19-year-old made only his third Premier League start on Sunday and looked composed beyond his years in the middle of the back three. Josh Acheampong dealt with everything the opposition threw his way and has certainly laid down a claim for a starting berth going forward.

Trevor Chalobah – 6

Although Trevor Chalobah was overshadowed by his central defensive partner, the centre-back enjoyed a solid outing at Stamford Bridge.

Marc Cucurella – 7

Almost opened the scoring for Chelsea in the first half, Cucurella was defensively solid on the left flank. Although he failed to exert his usual attacking influence, he was more involved in the second half.

Enzo Fernandez – 6

Enzo Fernandez was aided by his midfield partner Moises Caicedo as he often found himself second best in the midfield battle at Stamford Bridge.

Moises Caicedo – 7

Back to his usual self in the Premier League, Caicedo produced a solid all-round midfield performance for Chelsea. The Ecuadorian was strong in the duel and kept his side moving throughout the 90 minutes.

Pedro Neto – 6

Pedro Neto was active down the right flank throughout the match, but he, too, alongside his attacking unit, failed to break down a stubborn Palace defence.

Cole Palmer – 5

Cole Palmer was a shadow of the player who single-handedly dominated the Club World Cup final against PSG. The England international struggled to get going at Stamford Bridge and never looked like making a recognisable impact.

Jamie Bynoe-Gittens – 6

Not a bad Premier League debut by any means for Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, but nothing to write home about. The 21-year-old was replaced 10 minutes into the second half by Estevao.

Joao Pedro – 4

The Brazilian is likely to be the main man up front for Chelsea this season, but his Premier League debut was by all means disastrous. Like Palmer, Joao Pedro was a passenger and failed to register a single shot on goal against Palace.

Substitutions

Estevao – 7

The young Brazilian added a dynamism missing from the starting lineup upon his introduction in the second half. He did everything but get his name on the scoresheet in a lively debut cameo for the forward.

Liam Delap – 6

Maresca turned to Liam Delap in the hopes of salvaging the three points for the Blues, but with only 17 minutes of match action for the English forward, he wasn’t left with much time to make an impact.

Malo Gusto – N/A

Andre Santos – N/A