EPL: Chelsea’s Winless Run Continues as Mateta’s Late Equalizer Earns Palace Draw

Chelsea’s winless Premier League streak stretched to four matches after Jean-Philippe Mateta’s late strike earned Crystal Palace a 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park.

The Blues wrapped up 2024 with two straight losses and no wins in three games, a form slump that continued into the new year.

Cole Palmer had put Chelsea ahead after 14 minutes, scoring his 13th league goal following a slick assist from Jadon Sancho. Chelsea dominated the first half, but missed several chances, with Nicolas Jackson failing to convert three opportunities, and Sancho, Moises Caicedo, and Josh Acheampong shooting wide.

Palace struggled to create much in the first half, registering their first shot on target in the 35th minute, but Jefferson Lerma’s effort was easily saved by goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

After the break, Palace grew into the game and came close to equalizing when Eberechi Eze fired wide. Chelsea continued to waste chances, as Jackson, Pedro Neto, and Enzo Fernandez all missed the target.

With just under 10 minutes remaining, Mateta capitalized on a perfect ball from Eze to tap in the equalizer from close range.

Palace are now unbeaten in three league games, sitting 15th, while Chelsea remain in fourth place.