Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca believes his side “completely deserved” to win against Crystal Palace after a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, citing the numerous chances created by his team throughout the match.

Speaking to Match of the Day, Maresca emphasised the positive aspects of Chelsea’s performance, suggesting that the team is moving in the right direction despite the result.

Reflecting on the incident involving Will Hughes, which many thought warranted a red card, Maresca admitted that the decision could have significantly altered the game: “What can I say? In that moment we were also 1-0 up and the game would completely change 11 v 10. The referee saw it differently, so now there is nothing I can do.”

Maresca acknowledged that after Palace equalised, the game became more chaotic. “Once they scored, the game became up and down.

“When the game is up and down, especially against Palace, they are more dangerous than us. We had chances to win the game late on, we didn’t win, and it is a shame, but the performance was good.”

In a candid remark, Maresca sought to temper expectations, reminding fans that Chelsea is undergoing a period of transition: “Probably one thing that has to be clear, Chelsea three years ago won the Champions League, but now it is not that kind of Chelsea, so now sometimes if you don’t win, it is normal.”

While Chelsea’s performance showed promise, the draw leaves the Blues still searching for consistency as they continue to adapt under Maresca’s leadership.