Chelsea winless in 4 matches after conceding late equalizer to Palace

Chelsea’s winless run in the league extended to four matches after drawing at Crystal Palace 1-1.

Jean-Philippe Mateta equalized in the 82nd for Palace, canceling out Cole Palmer’s opener.

Chelsea has drawn twice and lost twice since Dec. 22, damaging a title bid that had been picking up some steam — even if manager Enzo Maresca never accepted his team was a realistic challenger.

Fourth-placed Chelsea was nine points behind leader Liverpool, which has two games in hand. The first is at home to Manchester United on Sunday.

Second-placed Arsenal can trim the gap to Liverpool to three points by beating Brighton later.