Eberechi Eze was denied a memorable opening goal at Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace on Sunday as two teams kicked off the 2025/26 Premier League season at Stamford Bridge.
Aiming at the free kick in the center position, organizer Eze made a strike through the defensive wall – only referee Darren England announced that the target was overturned after a check-up at the Pitchside Monitor Check.
Former Chelsea forward Chris Sutton told Sky Sports that the palace was frustrated and it would be a scandal. ”
Ebere Eze, wow! 🚀 pic.twitter.com/s764jcws0e
– Sky Sports Premier League (@skysportspl) August 17, 2025
Why is Eze’s goal being excluded from the match against Chelsea?
Palace Captain Marc Guehi is considered to be less than a meter from the defensive wall when he was considered free agency, resulting in an indirect Chelsea free kick.
“It seems very demanding to me,” Sutton said, who thought Guxi was considered a foul on Moises Caicedo.
The cheers at Stamford Bridge were overturned by VAR because Marc Guehi🎥❌ pic.twitter.com/6anospfrpg
– Sky Sports Premier League (@skysportspl) August 17, 2025
“His body has a purpose, a little powerful.
Former England right-back Micah Richards said officials should “respect” and “find these small details”.
“If you apply rules and legal letters, that’s the right decision,” Richards added. “Even if we don’t like it.”
Chelsea vs. Palace: Sanchez’s “question mark”
Sutton believes Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is guilty of the shooting. “You have to say, Sanchez has a question mark,” he suggested.
“It was a great, great strike, but I wonder if Sanchez could see it because he didn’t react until the ball went over.
“Last season, Sanchez had a question mark. He should save that.
“It’s lightning, isn’t it? Over and over? The shoelaces are worn through the ball.”
Chelsea and Crystal Palace
Forward Joao Pedro is one of Chelsea’s new faces after joining Brighton & Hove Albion’s Blues for £60m.
Jamie Gittens also arrived from Borussia Dortmund, with the cost likely to increase to £52 million, while fellow Wideman Estevao sold for £29 million from Palmeiras.
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Gittens and Joao Pedro started heading to Chelsea, and after the defenders had a minor problem in training, they didn’t have Tosin Adarabioyo.
Brazil’s new arrival Estevao, 18, played against Chelsea at the club World Cup and impressed in the preseason, on the bench.
Major defender Levi Colwill is expected to miss most of the sports due to a severe knee injury, while long-absent Wesley Fofana returns from the bench.
Defender Benoit Badiashile and midfielder Romeo Lavia are improving their recovery from injuries.
Chelsea starts: Sanchez, James, Acheampong, Chalobah, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Neto, Palmer, Gittens, Joao Pedro
Chelsea alternatives: Jorgensen, Fofana, Gusto, Hato, Essugo, Andrey Santos, Delap, Estevao, George
Crystal Palace and Chelsea
Despite strong speculation about the future of the Hawks, Eze and Guehi started.
Tottenham and England International Marc Guehi wanted Eze to attract Liverpool’s interest.
Crystal Palace begins: Henderson, Munoz, Richards, La Croix, Grey, Mitchell, Wharton, Hughes, Saar, Ez, Mattha
Crystal Palace alternatives: Benitez, Clyne, Cardines, Sosa, Lerma, Devenny, Esse, Rak-Sakyi, Edouard
How to watch Chelsea vs Crystal Palace: Live, TV Channel
Sunday’s kickoff time was 14:00 BST (09:00 ET / 06:00 PT), with live coverage of Sky Sports Main Event and Ultra in the UK.
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