
Oliver Glasner's Crystal Palace fought back to earn a 1-1 draw against Chelsea. Enzo Maresca's side started the game strongly, and led in just the 14th minute after Jadon Sancho made a mockery of Chris Richards before teeing up Cole Palmer to fire home from close range.
The visitors dominated the game in the early stages but lacked a cutting edge in front of goal which allowed Palace to ease themselves into the game, and the Eagles began to grow in confidence as they began to create openings.
Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta went close on occasion, whilst Richards saw a header denied by Robert Sanchez.
With time running out it appeared Chelsea would be taking all three points back to West London, but when Daniel Munoz dispossessed Palmer in the Chelsea half it would all change.
The Colombian had pressed the England international before winning the ball and releasing Ismaila Sarr. The Senegalese forward burst into the central space and deftly played Eze through on goal, and the Palace talisman showed immense composure and awareness to roll the ball across the six yard box to Mateta to fire into an empty net and earn the Eagles a share of the spoils.
Here are VAVEL UK's Crystal Palace player ratings from the hard fought draw:
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Crystal Palace Player Ratings:
Dean Henderson - 5
A quiet game for Henderson who only faced one effort on target which the Palace keeper could do little about.
Henderson looked visibly uncomfortable at times with the ball at his feet, but demonstrated composure in other instances to help Palace play out from the back. Dealt with crosses well on multiple occasions.
Daniel Munoz - 8
Munoz worked tirelessly throughout, impacting the match on both sides of the pitch. Defensively, Munoz won nine duels, made five tackles and two interceptions.
Going forward Munoz provided the attacking width for the Eagles, occupying promising positions high and wide which enabled Palace to offer significant threat on the right-hand side of the pitch. The Colombian created one big chance and made four key passes.
This all culminated in the 82nd minute when Munoz was influential in the equaliser, dispossessing Palmer before having the ability to release Sarr to bare down on the Chelsea defence.
Chris Richards - 4
A mixed afternoon for the American defender who struggled initially, including being spun on the halfway line by Sancho, and then beaten again by the same player in the build up to the Chelsea goal.
A catalogue of errors such as the above marred the initial part of the match for Richards but the defender recovered to improve his performance, and second half Richards had the beating of Sancho. Made one exceptional recovery challenge in the first half denying what looked a certain goal.
Maxence Lacroix - 6
Lacroix delivered a strong defensive performance as has become similar at Selhurst Park. The summer signing led the Palace defence, making four clearances, three tackles and one interception, using his recovery pace to thwart several Chelsea attacks.
Marc Guehi - 6
A solid display from the Palace captain against his former club. Guehi was resolute in defence making three clearances, two tackles, one interception and blocking one shot. The central defender also won three of his four duels as he helped Palace hold firm against a strong Chelsea attack.
Tyrick Mitchell - 5
A tale of two halves for Mitchell, who struggled first half to deal with Pedro Neto, but second half the left-wing back nullified the Portuguese winger expertly.
Mitchell made six tackles, blocked two shots and also contributed going forward with one key pass. Was potentially fortunate not to give a penalty away for a recovery challenge on Neto, but replays showed the Palace wing-back made contact with the ball first.
Jefferson Lerma - 6
The Colombian continued his good form in the middle of the park, showcasing his fantastic engine and leading the Palace press.
Helped protect the Palace defence but similarly to Doucoure, could have been braver on the ball and more progressive.
Cheick Doucoure - 6
A promising return to the staring line-up for Doucoure who was tireless in the midfield area, helping to protect the Palace defence.
The Malian international made four clearances, two tackles and one interception and will hope to build upon this performance as he returns closer to full fitness. Could have potentially offered more options on the ball in certain areas but it was difficult under an aggressive Chelsea man-to-man press.
Ismaila Sarr - 7
The summer signing from Olympique Marseillecontinues to display his importance to the Palace side.
The high and wide position occupied by Munoz enabled Sarr to drift inside and find vacant areas in the right half-space where the Senegalese forward could receive the ball and drive at the Chelsea defence. It was on one of these occasions where Sarr fed Eze who then assisted Mateta for the equaliser. The attacker also worked diligently in defence, making several recoveries to deny Chelsea attacking in transition.
Eberechi Eze - 6
Eze still appears to be finding his top form, with the England international demonstrating glimpses of his ability but often drifted in and out of the fixture.
The Eagles talisman would have expected to see the net bulge when Munoz pulled the ball back to Eze with Sanchez out of position, but the former QPR man failed to find the target with the goal at his mercy.
Eze did perform when most needed, making a darting run to goal before showcasing his composure and awareness to roll the ball to Mateta to fire into the empty net and earn Palace the equaliser. Will hope to build upon his assist in the coming matches.
A valiant display from Mateta who led the line with incredible bravery and determination. Often isolated, Mateta used his body to hold the ball up and bring his teammates into play.
Bullied Josh Acheampong and Levi Colwill throughout the match winning eight out of his nine aerial duels, and earned his just reward with the equaliser showing his desire to get on the end of Eze's square pass.
Substitutes:
Daichi Kamada - 5
The Japanese midfielder replaced Doucoure in the 69th minute, and helped provide an energy boost in the middle of the pitch.
Kamada's passing was not always precise but the summer signing worked hard within the Palace press and offered a better showing than recent form.
Eddie Nketiah - N/A

