Predictions
Chelsea opened their Premier League campaign with a frustrating 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge, leaving plenty of questions about their attacking sharpness but offering encouragement in defence thanks to a standout performance from teenager Josh Acheampong.
Acheampong offers his take. 🤝#CFC | #CHECRY pic.twitter.com/Ksh5bceRLn
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 17, 2025
Lack of Cutting Edge in Attack
The Blues struggled to break down a disciplined and well-organised Palace side. Despite dominating possession, they lacked creativity in the final third and rarely looked capable of forcing a breakthrough. Against a Roy Hodgson side that thrives on structure and discipline, Chelsea needed flashes of invention and clinical finishing — but neither were on display.
Acheampong Steps Up Amid Injury Crisis
If the attack disappointed, the defence at least held firm. With Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoît Badiashile, and Wesley Fofana all unavailable, Enzo Maresca turned to academy product Josh Acheampong in central defence.
The 18-year-old delivered a composed and assured performance, dealing superbly with Jean-Philippe Mateta and earning praise from his head coach after the game:
“Very good, very good. We already showed confidence in Josh last year. He played some games then, and today he did very well. He dealt with Mateta very well. Overall, he had a good game.”
Josh Acheampong vs Crystal Palace (H)
— . (@Cfc_nicco) August 17, 2025
RCB/CCB positionpic.twitter.com/xb5oeMmb8g
Acheampong’s maturity and calmness under pressure were bright spots in an otherwise frustrating evening, and his display will boost confidence in the club’s youth development.
Maresca on the Defensive Injury List
While Acheampong stepped up, Maresca is still keen to see senior defenders return as quickly as possible. Speaking after the match, he gave a mixed update:
“[Tosin] had a physical problem, we don’t know for how long [he will be out]. Wes [Fofana] was on the bench, but just to be with us — the plan was not to get him minutes. Hopefully, for the next one, we can start to use Wes for more minutes.”
The lack of clarity around Adarabioyo’s situation will concern fans, though the suggestion that Fofana could feature in the coming weeks offers some optimism.
Chelsea Brief Summary
Chelsea’s opening-day draw will frustrate supporters who expected more fluency in attack, but Maresca will take comfort from his defence’s resilience. Acheampong’s emergence was a highlight, and with key defenders close to returning, the Blues will hope greater solidity at the back can eventually be matched by creativity going forward.
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