Xavi Simons shows Chelsea what they're missing out on as Enzo Maresca sent thinly-veiled message

Xavi Simons has shown Enzo Maresca what Chelsea missed during their clash against Crystal Palace. The Blues squandered a few gilt-edged chances when they were held to a goalless draw by Oliver Glasner's side at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.

During the first half in particular, Chelsea struggled to break down the opposition's rigid shape. Crystal Palace frustrated the west Londoners, forcing errors and stretching the game at every opportunity.

Eberechi Eze thought he had given the Eagles the lead inside the opening quarter of an hour. The England international rifled a free-kick past Robert Sanchez from just outside the box, finding a gap in the wall.

Fortunately for the Blues, the goal was ruled out. Marc Guehi, who had created space for Eze's strike by barging into Moises Caicedo, was within one metre of the Chelsea wall before the shot had been taken.

Despite the west Londoners' best efforts, they couldn't break the deadlock. Maresca's side showed great promise and determination towards the end of the second half, with Liam Delap testing Dean Henderson and Estevao Willian regularly taking on his full-back.

Chelsea couldn't find the winner though, with Crystal Palace more than happy to soak up the pressure. A chance fell to Andrey Santos in the dying embers, but the 21-year-old midfielder ballooned his effort over the bar.

Shortly after the game, Simons uploaded a well-timed video to his Instagram story. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder, who continues to be heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, posted a highlights package of his performance from RB Leipzig's 4-2 win over SV Sandhausen in the first round of the DFB Pokal.

Simons scored one goal and provided one assist at the GP Stadion am Hardtwald on Saturday afternoon. He showcased his ability to break down low-bock opposition, lead attacking transitions, take on defenders and orchestrate big chances for his teammates.

In the video, the Netherlands international showed Maresca exactly what Chelsea missed against Crystal Palace. football.london understands that Chelsea are still in talks with the Bundesliga outfit over the complicated transfer of Simons.

Earlier this month, there was still an expectation and confidence that the Blues would eventually secure his signature. While Leipzig have been working hard to replace Benjamin Sesko, signing Rômulo from Göztepe, Chelsea have been looking to offload a few players.

Marcel Schäfer provided an update on Simons' future this weekend. Speaking to Sky Sports Germany on Sunday afternoon, the Leipzig director said: "We make all our decisions based on sporting and economic considerations.

"If it works for everyone, then we have often allowed players to make a move in the past. Right now, that's not the case, and if nothing changes, Xavi will remain an RB Leipzig player."

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters after the Crystal Palace clash, Maresca commented on his side's lack of cutting edge. The Chelsea boss said: "I said many times that I don't think about June or May, the title, or when the season will finish.

"I always try to speak or try to think about the next one, the next game. So for me, it's about Friday's game, no more than that..."

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