Cole Palmer’s 13th league goal of the season broke the deadlock in the first half. However, Jean-Philippe Mateta equalised for the hosts in the 82nd minute to punish the Blues for not killing off the contest.
Enzo Maresca’s side remains fourth in the division table after the Palace draw. If they look behind, they’ll see fifth-placed Newcastle United are only a point behind them, while Manchester City are only two points back.
Jason Cundy highlighted Chelsea’s Jadon Sancho for massive praise after his role in Palmer’s goal.
Sancho, 24, provided the assist in spectacular fashion after some eye-catching skill. The left-winger dribbled from deep before a pass into the path of the goalscorer.
Cundy said via Chelsea’s official app (3:14pm, 4 January): “It’s a brilliant piece of play. Sancho let’s the ball run across his body. He goes on the outside before flicking it with the inside of his right foot. Palmer has a touch and slides it past Dean Henderson. Palmer scores again, but let me tell you now, this is all about Sancho, a brilliant piece of individual skill.”
Chelsea are delighted with the Sancho signing since he joined from Manchester United last summer. In 15 Blues appearances this season, the talented English attacker now has two goals and six assists.
Like above, Paul Merson was equally impressed by Sancho’s major role in Chelsea’s winning goal at Palace.
Merson said on Sky Sports: “What play by Sancho, unbelievable play. The ball comes to him on the halfway line and he just dummies it. He goes one way and the ball goes the other way – around the defender and he’s away. Two defenders catch him up and he plays it in between them to Palmer. Palmer takes a touch on his left, six yards out, and drills it into the far corner. It’s brilliant wing play, amazing wing play by Sancho.”
Unlike some of the other wingers in Chelsea’s squad, Sancho’s biggest strength is his close control, dribbling and creativity.
Some of the Blues attackers have been struggling in recent weeks to find their best form, which is costing the team points, but Sancho was at least one of the shining lights from the Palace draw. The 24-year-old wide man can hold his head high because he contributed offensively and defensively at Selhurst Park.