Jean-Philippe Mateta cancelled out an opener from Cole Palmer as Crystal Palace came from behind to draw 1-1 with Chelsea in Saturday afternoon's Premier League contest at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea made the breakthrough in the 14th minute of the match, and it was an emphatic finish from Palmer, who gathered a cross from Jadon Sancho before picking out the bottom corner to spark jubilant celebrations in the away end.
Palace levelled the scores in the 82nd minute, though, with Mateta turned a cross from Eberechi Eze into the back of the net, as Chelsea were made to pay for not scoring a second when on top.
Chelsea's winless run in the league has stretched to four matches, picking up just two points in the process, but they remain fourth in the Premier League table, one point above fifth-placed Newcastle United.
Palace, meanwhile, still sit in 15th, but the Eagles are now only one point behind 14th-placed Manchester United and have crucially opened up a six-point gap from the relegation zone.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© Imago
Palmer's brilliant finish sent Chelsea ahead at Stamford Bridge, and the Blues were playing some excellent stuff at Selhurst Park, but the failure to double their advantage has ultimately cost them all three points.
The pressure from Palace was always going to come late on, and Eze's pass into Mateta was terrific, with the striker slotting into the back of the net to make it 1-1, which it ultimately finished.
Chelsea, who only had one shot on target on Saturday afternoon, were mentioned as potential title challengers not too long ago, but they are now nine points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand; the Blues are in the mix for the top four, though, which would represent an impressive season.
As for Palace, their squad is stronger than their results have suggested this season, and it is now three games unbeaten in the Premier League for the Eagles, who have responded impressively to their successive defeats to Arsenal last month.
CRYSTAL PALACE VS. CHELSEA HIGHLIGHTS
14th min: Crystal Palace 0-1 Chelsea (Cole Palmer)
Chelsea make the breakthrough in the 14th minute of the contest, as Palmer controls and fires into the back of the net after collecting a cross from Sancho; super finish from the England international, who now has 13 Premier League goals this season.
82nd min: Crystal Palace 1-1 Chelsea (Jean-Philippe Mateta)
Palace level the scores in the 82nd minute of the contest, and the goal comes from Mateta, as the striker turns into the back of the net from close range after an excellent cross from the dangerous Eze.
MAN OF THE MATCH - DANIEL MUNOZ
© Imago
Munoz was terrific for Palace against Chelsea, with the 28-year-old starring as the right-sided wing-back, and he played an important role in the Eagles coming from behind to secure a share of the spoils.
The defender won five tackles, while he completed 23 of his 31 passes, and Chelsea's attackers found it difficult to get the best of the Colombia international, who has impressed since his arrival from Genk.
CRYSTAL PALACE VS. CHELSEA MATCH STATS
Possession: Crystal Palace 38%-62% Chelsea
Shots: Crystal Palace 13-15 Chelsea
Shots on target: Crystal Palace 6-1 Chelsea
Corners: Crystal Palace 6-6 Chelsea
Fouls: Crystal Palace 9-12 Chelsea
BEST STAT
Jean-Phillipe Mateta has scored 100 career club goals. pic.twitter.com/METITIyP6V
— StatMuse FC (@statmusefc) January 4, 2025
WHAT NEXT?
Both of these sides will now switch their attention to the third round of the FA Cup, with Chelsea welcoming Morecambe to Stamford Bridge on January 11, while Palace will host Stockport County one day later.
Chelsea's next Premier League match comes at home to Bournemouth on January 14, while Palace will be in action one day later away to Leicester City.
Matt Law
