Eberechi Eze’s free-kick goal was ruled out after a VAR consultation during a goalless draw between Chelsea and Crystal Palace in the 2025/26 Premier League opener. The goal was disallowed because Marc Guehi was deemed too close to the wall when the kick was taken. Eze later struck the Chelsea goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez, forcing a save. Chelsea struggled to score, with missed chances from players including Andrey Santos. The match highlighted speculation around Eze's future at Crystal Palace with potential negotiations with Tottenham looming.
Eberechi Eze had an early free-kick ruled out following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review as Chelsea and Crystal Palace started their 2025/26 Premier League seasons with a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Playmaker Eze blasted his strike through Chelsea's defensive wall and goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, but referee Darren England consulted his pitchside monitor to disallow the goal because Palace captain Marc Guehi was adjudged to have been less than a metre from the defensive wall when the free-kick was taken.
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace: Eze sign-off? If Tottenham are to succeed with mooted negotiations for Eze next week, this was almost a sensational way for the 27-year-old to say goodbye, with only a rule that caused confusion among players, fans and pundits preventing him from scoring.
For Chelsea, this represented a low-key start to a season in which many are tipping them to challenge, hindered by was.
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