Chelsea’s Premier League campaign began with frustration as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Crystal Palace, and goalkeeper Robert Sanchez admitted the Blues struggled to find rhythm in midfield.
Enzo Maresca’s side, playing just 35 days after their Club World Cup final in the United States, looked short of sharpness in a game where Palace’s defensive block limited central space for Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández. Injuries also left Chelsea light in defence, with Levi Colwill out long term and neither Tosin Adarabioyo nor Wesley Fofana fit, forcing a makeshift partnership of Trevoh Chalobah and 19-year-old Josh Acheampong.
Despite those issues, Chelsea carved out chances late on, though Chalobah and debutant Andrey Santos both blazed over from close range. Palace thought they had taken the lead through Eberechi Eze’s free-kick, only for it to be ruled out after Marc Guehi encroached on the wall.
Sanchez Explains Chelsea’s Midfield Struggles
The Spanish goalkeeper admitted Palace’s pressing shape pushed Chelsea wide and made central build-up play difficult.
“To play out was not difficult, from my view, but to find Moises and Enzo in midfield was hard, so we had to play a bit more wide. But I think the boys did what they had to do, they created the chances, and with different margins we could have scored one or two goals.” — Robert Sanchez, Chelsea FC
Sanchez also highlighted the disruption caused by injuries and the short pre-season, but praised the attitude of younger players thrown into the side. “Everybody is ready to play in this team, everybody has the quality, and we kept the clean sheet,” he added.
Debuts and New Faces Under Maresca
Seven summer signings featured for Chelsea, with striker João Pedro and winger Jamie Gittens both starting but struggling to make an impact. Substitutes Liam Delap and 18-year-old Estevão Willian injected more energy, with Delap missing a late chance and Estevão showing glimpses of his flair on the right.
The 0-0 draw wasn’t the ideal start for Maresca, but the Italian head coach pointed to “slim margins” that could have swung the result.
Robert Sanchez 2024/25 Premier League Stats (Chelsea)
| Stat (2024/25) | Sanchez |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 32 |
| Clean Sheets | 11 |
| Saves | 92 |
| Save % | 71% |
source: premier league & club data 2024/25
Sanchez played 32 league games last season, recording 11 clean sheets with a 71% save rate. His leadership from the back will be vital as Maresca’s Chelsea adapt to a new tactical style.
Robert Sanchez vs Crystal Palace – 17 August 2025
| Stat | Sanchez |
|---|---|
| Saves | 3 |
| High Claims | 2 |
| Pass Accuracy | 85% |
| Touches | 46 |
| Clean Sheet | Yes |
source: premier league match data 17 august 2025
Sanchez had a relatively quiet afternoon but was sharp when called upon, making three saves and two high claims to deny Palace. His distribution was also reliable, completing 85% of his passes as Chelsea played out from the back under Enzo Maresca’s new system.
Analyst Verdict
From reviewing the Palace match, Chelsea’s main problem was central progression — exactly the issue Sanchez pointed out. Without Colwill’s distribution from the back and with Caicedo/Fernández crowded out, Maresca’s side were forced into predictable wide patterns.
The positives? Acheampong looked composed in defence, while Estevão already hints at becoming a fan favourite. But Chelsea will need sharper midfield movement to avoid similar frustrations against better-organised opponents.
Key Insights
- Chelsea held 0-0 by Palace on Premier League opening day.
- Sanchez: “Hard to find Moises and Enzo in midfield.”
- Injuries forced a makeshift defence with Acheampong starting.
- Debuts for João Pedro, Gittens and Estevão Willian.
- Palace’s Eze had a goal disallowed for wall encroachment.
What’s Next
Chelsea travel to face Wolves on August 23, where Maresca will be hoping for a more fluid attacking display. With the transfer window still open, midfield creativity remains an area that could yet be addressed.
Palace, meanwhile, may have played one of Eberechi Eze’s last games, with Tottenham in advanced talks over a move. That subplot could further shape the narrative when the two sides meet again later this season.
Was this just opening-day rust for Chelsea — or a worrying sign of midfield imbalance under Maresca?
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