Chelsea's Title Aspirations Wane After Draw Against Crystal Palace

A 1-1 result at Selhurst Park extends Chelsea's winless streak to four games, raising concerns over their top-four prospects.

• Chelsea's struggles in front of goal continued as they failed to capitalize on a dominant first half, with Cole Palmer scoring their only goal early on.
• Crystal Palace equalized late through Jean-Philippe Mateta, exposing Chelsea's defensive vulnerabilities and lack of clinical finishing.
• Nicolas Jackson's recent slump in form has been emblematic of Chelsea's attacking inefficiency, with the striker missing key opportunities to secure victory.
• Enzo Maresca's decision to start 18-year-old defender Josh Acheampong highlighted Chelsea's ongoing injury crisis in central defense, with Wesley Fofana and Benoît Badiashile sidelined long-term.
• The result leaves Chelsea in fourth place, with Newcastle, Manchester City, and Bournemouth closing the gap, intensifying the race for Champions League qualification.

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