We deserved to win - Maresca insists after Chelsea's goalless draw with Crystal Palace

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca insists his side merited victory against Crystal Palace despite being held to a goalless draw in their Premier League opener at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues dominated proceedings with 71% possession and created several clear chances, while Palace’s only real threat came from Eberechi Eze’s first-half free-kick, which was ruled out for offside.

Marc Cucurella saw an early header cleared off the line, while in the second half both Estevão and Andrey Santos missed opportunities from inside the penalty area.

Despite Chelsea’s pressure, the reigning FA Cup and Community Shield holders held firm to claim a point.

Reflecting on the performance, Maresca said his team did enough to take all three points.

He said, “We always try to win the game. Unfortunately, we didn’t win but overall we deserved to.

“We created enough chances in the first half and the second half. Apart from the free-kick, we didn’t concede any clear-cut chances. But we know how tough they are, how well organised they are, and that’s why they beat Liverpool and Manchester City in the finals.”

Maresca praised his players for competing until the very end, highlighting the late chances for Estevão and Santos.

“That showed that we competed overall quite well. For sure, they played seven or eight games and we only played two matches last weekend where we shared the minutes. This was the first real game today, but slowly, slowly we are going to be better.”

Chelsea registered 10 attempts at goal, three of which were on target, but their lack of cutting edge remains a concern.

Maresca, however, stressed the importance of focusing on short-term progress rather than looking too far ahead.

“I don’t think about May or June when the season will be finished. I try to think about the next one, the next game. So now it is about Friday’s game and no more than that,” he concluded.

The Blues will look to turn dominance into victories when they return to action on Friday, as Maresca continues to shape his squad in his first Premier League campaign.