Chelsea supporters have once again been left fuming after their side played out a frustrating goalless draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The result not only denied the Blues an important three points but also reignited criticism of key players, with midfielder Enzo Fernández taking the brunt of the backlash from fans.
The Argentine, signed for a club-record fee of around £95 million, was expected to be the heartbeat of Chelsea’s midfield, orchestrating play and providing creativity in tight matches like this. Instead, he struggled to impose himself, leaving supporters questioning his influence in a game that demanded leadership and attacking spark.
For large spells of the encounter, Chelsea dominated possession but lacked penetration. Palace defended resolutely, keeping their shape, but Blues fans were quick to highlight that their team’s inability to break through was due in part to Fernández’s failure to dictate tempo and unlock spaces. The 24-year-old misplaced several passes and appeared off the pace, drawing sharp criticism both inside the stadium and online.
Social media erupted within minutes of the final whistle. “£95 million for sideways passes,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), while another claimed, “Enzo Fernández disappears whenever Chelsea need him most.” Others were more forgiving but admitted they expected far more consistency from a player regarded as one of the world’s most promising midfielders.
The frustration is amplified by Chelsea’s ongoing struggles in front of goal. Despite controlling much of the match, they created few clear chances, with strikers often left isolated and service lacking. Supporters argued that players like Fernández are brought in to provide solutions in such scenarios, yet his performance was labeled passive and uninspiring.
This is not the first time Fernández has come under fire since arriving at Stamford Bridge. While he has delivered moments of brilliance and shown flashes of quality, inconsistency continues to haunt him. Critics say that performances like the one against Palace undermine his reputation and pile pressure on him to justify his enormous transfer fee.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca defended his team after the match, insisting that effort and structure were in place but acknowledging that creativity in the final third remains a major issue. However, fans were not convinced, pointing out that patience is running thin. The midfield, once Chelsea’s strongest area, now looks toothless in crucial fixtures, with Fernández bearing the heaviest scrutiny.
Palace, on the other hand, were delighted with the point, crediting their defensive organization and discipline. While their celebrations contrasted sharply with Chelsea’s frustrations, the narrative after the match focused almost entirely on the Blues’ inability to deliver in games they are expected to win.
The stalemate leaves Chelsea’s league ambitions under threat once again. Dropped points in matches like these have become a recurring theme, undermining their push for Champions League qualification. Fans fear that if star players like Fernández cannot consistently step up, the club risks slipping further behind its rivals.
For Fernández personally, the draw raises uncomfortable questions. He arrived in London as a World Cup winner, touted as a future leader of Chelsea’s midfield, but supporters are beginning to demand more substance and fewer excuses. The Selhurst Park performance has left many wondering whether he can live up to the expectations that come with being one of the most expensive players in Premier League history.
The pressure is mounting, both on the pitch and in the stands. Chelsea’s season still has a long way to go, but unless Fernández and others start producing consistent top-level displays, frustration among fans will only continue to grow.
