In the first round of the Premier League 2025/26, Chelsea launched 6 attackers worth a total of £ 250 million but strangely, they still could not concede Crystal Palace.
The £ 250 million is unable to score
Before a Crystal Palace who defeated Liverpool in the 2025 Super Cup, coach Enzo Maresca launched an almost optimal squad. In the attack, the rookie has just shone to help Chelsea win the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Joao Pedro (bought for 55 million pounds from Brighton) in charge of a striker. Two wings are Jamie Gittens (£ 52 million) and Pedro Neto (45 million pounds). As usual, Cole Palmer (40 million pounds) plays a household. Faced with the expensive fire of the opponent, the defense of Palace played extremely solid, focused under the command of the Guehi captain midfielder.
Daniel Muñoz's right wing almost disabled Gittens. In the first match of Chelsea, the former Dortmund player almost did not leave any mark. Munoz's ability to approach and full speed makes this player “overwhelmed”. The opposite corridor, Pedro Neto is better but is not too comfortable in front of a Mitchell with enough monsters and surfing. The position of Joao Pedro is almost nothing and similarly, so Cole Palmer on the day is completely and even, less “sparkling” if compared to Palace's Adam Wharton – players have repeatedly escaped pressing, opening opportunities for teammates. If Mateta finished better, Palace probably conceded Chelsea.
In the second half, Chelsea launched two other attacks, Estevao Willian (£ 29 million) and striker Liam Delap (£ 30 million). The appearance of both brings “new breeze” to the Blues. Like Delap, he helps the ability to dispute and make walls better.
And Estevao causes many difficulties for the left wing of Crystal Palace. Even if the finish is better than Estevao, the goal has been scored. Estevao Willian was marked by Sofascore 7.1 points in the Chelsea debut.
But in general, disappointment is understandable for Chelsea fans and coach Enzo Maresca when unable to concede Palace. Chelsea only had 3 shots on the target, less than 1 time compared to Crystal Palace in 90 minutes.
Although only one match and the championship race is still very long, but clearly, Chelsea will be under great pressure if it is not possible to maintain the form after the FIFA Club World Cup championship last summer. As for Maresca, after being fully equipped, if the achievement is not good, his position will be threatened.
Maresca has anxiety?
The title of FIFA Club World Cup has been an invisible pressure for Chelsea. But to play like in the European Cup or Club World Cup, it is probably much easier than in the Premier League. That is what many coaches have confirmed.
Moreover, it is very difficult to immediately convert into success at the World Cup Club to the Premier League, especially after the short -term summer preparation period of only 13 days of Chelsea.
Many people may cite that reason but not Maresca. The view of the Italian tactician is as follows: “I don't think so. That's not the reason. Chelsea tried to win. I think Chelsea had some opportunities at the end of the match with Estevao and Andray Santos. That shows that we have played quite well.
Certainly, Palace played better than Chelsea for playing 7, 8 matches in the season. And Chelsea, last week the players only played two matches, and we tried to share the time of competition. Therefore, Chelsea's real match is today. The Blues will gradually get better. “
The rookie Joao Pedro, Gittens, Estevao and Delap will need more time to integrate. In other words, Maresca will need to find a “standard” squad for the Premier League front but he should also “hurry” because there are things that cannot wait and for time. The first round, Chelsea will face West Ham. BLD Chelsea and fans are waiting for the answer and reaction from the expensive attack of the home team.
