Chelsea drew 2-2 with Arsenal on Saturday afternoon and Cole Palmer was one of many players to impress. The 21-year-old started in a makeshift attacking role and was one of the Blues’ best creative outlets. Palmer got himself on the scoresheet but could have bagged a hattrick on another day.
Armando Broja missed out through injury while Nicolas Jackson wasn’t fit enough to start, so the deadline day signing was deployed as a false nine by Mauricio Pochettino. The decision paid dividends as he had more shots than any player on the pitch.
Pochettino’s experiment worked
Palmer netted a 15-minute penalty against Arsenal, fired an effort just wide of the post after fine work from Conor Gallagher, and nearly scored from close range after intercepting a pass from David Raya. He was accurate with his passing too, finding a teammate 96% of the time, so the experiment worked.
Pochettino admitted Palmer was signed over his head by Todd Boehly, but the England U21 international looks a perfect fit. And while many scoffed at his £40m price tag, the talented attacking-midfielder looks a bargain. He’s a goal threat, seldom relinquishes possession and is a willing runner, so he’s becoming indispensable.
Palmer boosting international prospects
The Englishman has made six Premier League appearances since joining from Manchester City this summer, scoring two goals with one assist. He bagged an assist in Chelsea’s EFL Cup win over Brighton & Hove Albion too.
Palmer could be called up to the England national team if he maintains this impressive run of form. Gareth Southgate may pay close attention when Chelsea face Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday, October 28.
The 21-year-old struggled for playing time at Man City but is flourishing with more opportunities in West London. Leaving the treble-winners was a gamble, but getting regular minutes is invaluable for a player’s development.
