Steve Nicol criticised two ‘invisible’ Chelsea players after the Club World Cup winners were held to a goalless draw by Crystal Palace.

Chelsea’s involvement in the Club World Cup pushed their pre-season schedule back and the Blues looked perhaps understandably off the pace against FA Cup holders Palace.

Their best chances in the Premier League opener at Stamford Bridge fell to substitute debutants Estevao Willian, Liam Delap and Andrey Santos, who all came close after the break.

Crystal Palace did have the ball in the back of the net but Eberechi Eze’s powerful free-kick was disallowed following a VAR check.

Liverpool legend Nicol said Chelsea had ‘no answers’ against ‘well-organised’ Palace and said Stamford Bridge star Cole Palmer was ‘invisible’.

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