Chelsea cannot afford to underestimate Crystal Palace.

19/08/2025 15:03:00 FieldFrenzy

Despite being forced to play in the Conference League and facing pressure as their stars are eyed by other clubs, Crystal Palace put in a praiseworthy performance against Chelsea, and earning a point at Stamford Bridge shows that Oliver Glasner’s side should not be underestimated.

Finishing 12th in the Premier League last season led many to view Crystal Palace as a decent mid-table team, which often caused opponents to underestimate them when facing off.

Despite limited transfer activity, they still managed to hold Chelsea to a draw.

The following highlights remind everyone why Glasner’s team is a constant nuisance for the league’s giants. Last season, they beat Manchester United and Tottenham, drew both games against Chelsea, and also secured draws with Man City, Liverpool, and Arsenal. Most importantly, Crystal Palace lifted the FA Cup after defeating Man City 1-0 in the final at Wembley on May 17. Just nine days ago, they also triumphed over Liverpool in the English Super Cup after a penalty shootout.

Ahead of the season opener against Chelsea, most people gave Crystal Palace little chance of winning, especially after a summer with few new signings. The most notable addition has been left-back Borna Sosa from Ajax for only £3 million, while the other three—goalkeepers Benitez and Lee, and defender Frazer-Williams—joined for free. This transfer approach is unusual for a team competing in Europe, especially as Glasner’s side faces pressure with key players like center-back Marc Guehi and striker Eberechi Eze attracting interest from Liverpool and Tottenham.

However, this did not put Palace at a disadvantage against Chelsea, the reigning FIFA Club World Cup winners. Enzo Maresca’s squad nearly suffered a shock at home in the opening match, and if Eze’s brilliant free-kick hadn’t been disallowed for Guehi’s interference in the wall, Chelsea could have lost. Even after spending hundreds of millions on attacking reinforcements—Gittens and Joao Pedro starting, Estevao and Delap coming off the bench—Chelsea’s recurring problem from last season remained: they struggled to break down deep-lying defenses. Palace’s admirable fighting spirit played a big part in this, as Maresca’s men had 19 shots (only three on target) but couldn’t find the net.

Crystal Palace continue to be a thorn in the side of the top clubs, holding Chelsea to a draw in the opening round.

Questions remain about the futures of their key players.

Earning a point in the Premier League opener is an encouraging outcome for Glasner’s side before they begin their Conference League journey with a play-off first leg against Norwegian underdogs Fredrikstad on Thursday night. Still, there are doubts about whether Palace can maintain this level if key players like Guehi or Eze leave before the transfer window closes.

Guehi’s decision not to shake Glasner’s hand after the Chelsea match has raised suspicions that this could have been the 25-year-old defender’s final appearance for Palace. Liverpool have already made a £35 million offer, and Guehi’s contract expires next summer. Similarly, Eze surprised many by starting and playing with great energy, despite Tottenham’s interest. The North London club are reportedly ready to pay £55 million for the 27-year-old midfielder, and his display against Chelsea shows why Thomas Frank wants him this summer.

If Eze and Guehi leave, Crystal Palace will be left in a difficult position as the transfer window closes. Glasner’s squad does not have the depth needed to compete on multiple fronts, but this hasn’t stopped the players from showing remarkable fighting spirit. They are always prepared to challenge the top clubs, just as they brought Chelsea back down to earth after their summer triumph in the US.

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