Eberechi Eze was denied a memorable opening purpose in Chelsea vs Crystal Palace on Sunday as each groups began their 2025/26 Premier League seasons at Stamford Bridge.
Taking purpose from a centrally-located free-kick, playmaker Eze blasted his strike by way of the defensive wall – just for referee Darren England to announce that the purpose was overturned following a pitchside monitor examine.
“This might be scandalous if that is dominated out,” former Chelsea ahead Chris Sutton instructed Sky Sports activities earlier than Palace have been thwarted.
Ebere Eze, WOW! 🚀 pic.twitter.com/S764jCWS0E
— Sky Sports activities Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 17, 2025
Why was Eze purpose dominated out vs Chelsea?
Palace captain Marc Guehi was adjudged to have been lower than a metre from the defensive wall when the free-kick was taken, leading to an oblique Chelsea free-kick.
“That appears extraordinarily harsh to me,” mentioned Sutton, who appeared to imagine Guehi had been deemed responsible of a foul on Moises Caicedo.
Large cheers at Stamford Bridge because the purpose is overturned by VAR for a foul on Moises Caicedo from Marc Guehi 🎥❌ pic.twitter.com/6AnospFRpG
— Sky Sports activities Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 17, 2025
“There’s a use of his physique, slightly little bit of power. You may take a look at it that means however there are specific instances in soccer the place you simply really feel whether or not one thing is correct or unsuitable and that simply appears mightily, mightily harsh.”
Former England right-back Micah Richards mentioned officers deserved “respect” for “discovering these little particulars”.
“For those who apply the foundations and the letter of the regulation, it’s the appropriate determination,” added Richards. “Even when we don’t prefer it.”
Chelsea vs Palace: Sanchez ‘query marks’
Sutton felt Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was culpable for the shot getting in. “You’ve obtained to say there are query marks over Sanchez,” he prompt.
“It’s an excellent, sensible strike however I wonder if Sanchez may see it in any respect as a result of he simply doesn’t react till the ball’s previous him.
“There have been query marks over Sanchez final season. He ought to be saving that.
“It’s a thunderbolt, isn’t it? Up and over? ‘No, simply put my foot by way of it.’ Laces by way of the ball.”
Chelsea workforce vs Crystal Palace
Ahead Joao Pedro was amongst Chelsea’s new faces after becoming a member of the Blues from Brighton & Hove Albion for £60 million.
Jamie Gittens additionally arrived from Borussia Dortmund for a charge that might rise to £52m, whereas fellow wideman Estevao price an preliminary £29m from Palmeiras.
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Gittens and Joao Pedro started for Chelsea, who have been with out Tosin Adarabioyo after the defender suffered a minor challenge in coaching.
Brazil newcomer Estevao, 18, was on the bench after scoring towards Chelsea on the Membership World Cup and impressing throughout pre-season.
Key defender Levi Colwill is predicted to overlook nearly all of the marketing campaign with a critical knee damage and long-term absentee Wesley Fofana returned on the bench.
Defender Benoit Badiashile and midfielder Romeo Lavia are stepping up their recoveries from accidents.
Chelsea beginning XI: Sanchez, James, Acheampong, Chalobah, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Neto, Palmer, Gittens, Joao Pedro
Chelsea substitutes: Jorgensen, Fofana, Gusto, Hato, Essugo, Andrey Santos, Delap, Estevao, George
Crystal Palace workforce vs Chelsea
Eze and Guehi began regardless of intense hypothesis round their futures with the Eagles.
Eze is needed by Tottenham and England worldwide Marc Guehi has attracted curiosity from Liverpool.
Crystal Palace beginning XI: Henderson, Munoz, Richards, Lacroix, Guehi, Mitchell, Wharton, Hughes, Sarr, Eze, Mateta
Crystal Palace substitutes: Benitez, Clyne, Cardines, Sosa, Lerma, Devenny, Esse, Rak-Sakyi, Edouard
Find out how to watch Chelsea vs Crystal Palace: Stay stream, TV channel
Kick-off on Sunday was at 14:00 BST (09:00 ET / 06:00 PT), with stay protection within the UK on Sky Sports activities Primary Occasion and Extremely.
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