Chelsea player ratings vs Crystal Palace: Cole Palmer brilliant as Enzo Fernandez makes Blues tick
Chelsea were held to a 1-1 draw in Sunday’s London derby against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, after Eberechi Eze’s second-half curler canceled out Nicolas Jackson’s strike.
Jackson’s second goal in as many Premier League matches had given the Blues a deserved lead at the end of a terrific counter-attack led by Noni Madueke and Cole Palmer.
However, Palace were much improved after the interval and Eze’s goal sees them claim a first Premier League point of the season.
Here’s how Enzo Maresca’s side rated at Stamford Bridge...
Robert Sanchez 5
Had hardly had a save to make when left helpless by Eze’s brilliant finish. Got away with it when fumbling Kamada’s strike.
Malo Gusto 6
A raiding threat down the right. Found it tougher after the break as Eze influence grew, though, and eventually forced off injured.
Wesley Fofana 6
Largely dealt with the physical threat of Mateta. Booked.
Levi Colwill 7
A composed, unfussy display. Fine interception started the move for Jackson’s opener and denied himself by good Henderson save.
Marc Cucurella 5
Shaky early on against Muniz and Kamada and Palace looked to exploit vulnerabilities under the high ball.
Enzo Fernandez 7
Terrific lofted pass made Madueke chance. Generally involved in most Chelsea play.
Moises Caicedo 6
Performed an excellent shielding job, with several smart and timely interceptions.
Noni Madueke 7
Unperturbed by glaring miss, hit the bar soon after and then made the opener with brilliant run from deep. Defensive tracking was excellent, too, but faded after half-time.
Cole Palmer 8
A year to the day since signing for Chelsea, laid on a brilliant first half assist. Saw free-kick superbly tipped over the bar.
Pedro Neto 6
Made his first Premier League start since signing from Wolves but Chelsea’s best play came down the opposite flank. Booked.
Nicolas Jackson 6
Made it two in two with the simplest of finishes from Palmer’s pass, but missed two chances to win it in stoppage time, albeit the first was awkward on the angle. Needless booking for kicking the ball away.
Substitutes
Joao Felix (Neto 58’) 6
One lovely piece of control moments after coming on, but no major impact.
Mykhailo Mudryk (Gusto 74’) 6
Christopher Nkunku (Madueke 86’) N/A
Unused: Jorgensen, Tosin, Disasi, Veiga, Dewsbury-Hall, Casadei.