Chelsea’s Premier League campaign began with a goalless draw against FA Cup holders Crystal Palace, as a contentious VAR decision denied the visitors an early lead at Stamford Bridge. In the 13th minute Eberechi Eze curled a free-kick beyond Robert Sánchez, but referee Darren England—after consulting the pitch-side monitor—ruled the effort out because Palace captain Marc Guehi was less than one metre from Chelsea’s defensive wall, violating the league’s set-piece distance rule. Enzo Maresca’s side, fresh from July’s Club World Cup triumph, dominated possession yet struggled to create clear chances despite handing league debuts to summer signings João Pedro, Jamie Gittens and late substitute Estevão. Palace, buoyed by their domestic cup double, threatened on the counter through Jean-Philippe Mateta and a late Eze strike that Sánchez parried. The stalemate leaves both London clubs with a point apiece to start the 2025-26 season, while the disallowed goal is likely to reignite debate over the Premier League’s wall-encroachment law.