Just a matter of weeks ago Chelsea were being touted as potential rivals to Liverpool in the Premier League title race, however, a disappointing end to 2024 and a sluggish start to 2025 has seen them fall well off the pace.

Eager to halt a three-game winless run – two defeats and a draw – Chelsea started positively at Crystal Palace with Cole Palmer finding the breakthrough after some fine work from Jadon Sancho to lay on the assist.

It felt inevitable that they would grab a second and maybe even a third or fourth as the chances continued to flow.

However, Nicolas Jackson, Sancho, Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Josh Acheampong all failed to take their opportunities leaving Chelsea with just a slim 1-0 lead at the break.

Palace were vastly improved for the second period, limiting Chelsea’s sight at goal and starting to create chances of their own.

Eberechi Eze gave the Blues a warning just four minutes after the restart when he dragged his effort wide and the game became a more open affair in the aftermath.

Despite being one of the most potent sides in the division – only Liverpool and Tottenham have scored more than Chelsea’s 39 – they just couldn’t apply the required finishing touch.

Chelsea were punished in the closing stages when Jean-Philippe Mateta popped up with the equaliser.

The draw leaves Chelsea nine points adrift of Liverpool, who have a game in hand, and means they now need to adjust their goals to battling for a top four spot.