Palmer hasn´t scored in his last six games and his last assist came 13 matches ago.
Palmer hasn´t scored in his last six games and his last assist came 13 matches ago.
Chelsea’s Overdependence on Cole Palmer Hurting His Form, Says Manager Enzo Maresca
Chelsea’s reliance on Cole Palmer has taken a toll on the young star’s performance, according to manager Enzo Maresca. Once a beacon of consistency, the English midfielder is now enduring his most challenging spell since joining the club, failing to score in his last six games and providing his last assist 13 matches ago.
Palmer’s dip in form has mirrored Chelsea’s struggles, with the team slipping from second to seventh in the Premier League following a disappointing run of only two wins in ten games. The FA Cup exit has only compounded their woes.
Having arrived from Manchester City in September 2023, Palmer took the league by storm, netting an impressive 22 goals last season—second only to Erling Haaland. His impact continued this season with 14 goals, but his recent frustration was evident during Chelsea’s 2-1 loss to Aston Villa.
However, Maresca remains calm amid concerns about Palmer’s performance. “I’m not worried about Cole specifically,” he assured. “He’s human, and every player experiences tough spells during a long season. The issue is that we’ve leaned on him too much. While he’s a top player, football is a team game, and success shouldn’t rest on one individual.”
Chelsea’s current struggles are reflected in their inability to convert chances. Maresca believes the team needs to be more clinical in front of goal. “Cole isn’t frustrated because of his own form—he’s frustrated because we aren’t winning,” he emphasized.
With three consecutive losses behind them, Chelsea has a prime opportunity to regain momentum when they face bottom-placed Southampton at Stamford Bridge. A victory could see them return to Champions League qualification contention, particularly with the league expected to secure five spots for next season’s tournament.
For Palmer and Chelsea, the upcoming matches offer a chance to reset, refocus, and reignite their campaign. Whether they can shake off their struggles and reclaim their dominance remains to be seen.
