Jean-Philippe Mateta came to Crystal Palace’s rescue with a late equaliser against Chelsea, denying the Blues of all three points in their 1-1 draw on Saturday – and you can watch the full match highlights below.
Jean-Philippe Mateta Cancels Out Cole Palmer’s Strike To Extend Chelsea’s Winless Run
After a run of three games without a victory, Chelsea thought they were returning to winning ways with an early goal against Crystal Palace.
It was a positive start for the visitors and they got their rewards 14 minutes into the game. Jadon Sancho was at the heart of the action, as he cut in and found Cole Palmer inside the area. And in his typically cool fashion, Palmer calmly passed the ball into the net to break the deadlock.
Palace reacted well following the half-time break and began to pepper Chelsea’s goal with several chances.
Robert Sanchez pulled off a spectacular save to tip Chris Richards’ header over the bar in a warning shot to Enzo Maresca‘s side.
Nicolas Jackson, who spurned a chance in the first half, was put through again with 20 minutes left. But the Blues striker once again dragged his shot just wide of the Palace upright.
Minutes later it was Chelsea’s turn to defend, with Levi Colwill making a brilliant last-ditch block to deny Palace. While Chelsea continued to attack, they left themselves open to counter attacks, with Palace getting closer to that sorely-needed equaliser.
With the game petering out, it looked as if Chelsea would hang on to all three points. But with eight minutes of normal time remaining, Palace got their rewards.
As Palmer picked up the ball in his own half, the Chelsea talisman took too long in releasing it to a team-mate and was dispossessed in a dangerous position. In a flash, Palace worked the ball through to Eberechi Eze who calmly squared the ball across to Mateta to tap into Chelsea’s net.
It’s more dropped points for the Blues, who are now nine points behind leaders Liverpool having played two games more than Arne Slot’s side.
WATCH: Crystal Palace 1-1 Chelsea Highlights
Chelsea return to Premier League action on Tuesday, January 14 when they host Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.
Meanwhile, Palace make the trip north to Leicester a day later to take on the Foxes at the King Power Stadium.
Both Chelsea and Palace are in FA Cup third round action next weekend before their Premier League fixtures.
