There were so many positives to take from Chelsea’s win over Liverpool on Sunday, but Cole Palmer was quite angry with teammate Nicolas Jackson because of one thing during the contest.
The Blues picked up a much-needed three points in the Premier League with a 3-1 victory at home to Liverpool.
Even though the Merseyside club weren’t at their very best just a week after clinching the league title, Chelsea produced an eye-catching team performance in a vital fixture.
The result means that Enzo Maresca’s side are in a decent position as they compete for Champions League qualification, which goes to the top five clubs in the division.
In Chelsea’s success against Liverpool, Cole Palmer was a real standout performer. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder capped off a dazzling contribution by scoring a late penalty kick to end his goal drought.
Michael Owen was majorly impressed by Cole Palmer after his superb display at home to Liverpool.
Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Cole Palmer not impressed by Nicolas Jackson’s offsides
On a really positive weekend for Chelsea, Nicolas Jackson may be disappointed that he couldn’t get in on the act. In fact, the 23-year-old striker was substituted off during the second half after a pretty timid display, which was surprising because he went into the contest off three goals in his previous two appearances across all competitions.
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Journalist Kieran Gill explained via X that Palmer was furious with Jackson for being caught offside too often against Liverpool.
Jackson should be pretty disappointed that he was flagged offside four times versus Liverpool.
Minutes played Goals Assists Total shots Chances created Touches in opposition box Offsides Match rating
72 0 0 2 0 3 4 6.5
Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson vs Liverpool via FOTMOB
With Jackson’s pace and athleticism, it’s extremely frustrating for supporters to see the centre-forward offside so often. It’s definitely an area of his game where he can drastically improve by being a bit smarter.
Most times flagged offside in a Premier League match this season – 4
◎ Chris Wood vs Fulham
◎ Abdoulaye Doucouré vs Brighton
◎ Dominic Calvert-Lewin vs Leicester
◎ Kai Havertz vs Chelsea
◉ Nicolas Jackson vs Wolves
◉ Nicolas Jackson vs Liverpool#CHELIV pic.twitter.com/YydyYAW61d
— WhoScored (@WhoScored) May 4, 2025
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Player Club Premier League offsides
Dominic Calvert-Lewin Everton 27
Chris Wood Nottingham Forest 26
Jamie Vardy Leicester City 25
Nicolas Jackson Chelsea 23
Alexander Isak Newcastle United 20
Most offsides in the 2024/25 season via the Premier League’s official website
Joe Cole values Nicolas Jackson as one of Chelsea’s most important players, but it’s clear he’s still a work in progress.
When it comes to the 2025/26 season, it’ll be interesting to see if the Senegal international is still starting every week in the No 9 position.
Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
The Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson connection
Even if Palmer did vent at the timing of Jackson’s runs against Liverpool, they’re two Chelsea players that do have a great understanding on the football pitch.
In 69 Chelsea matches together, Palmer and Jackson have directly combined for 14 goals (Transfermarkt). They weren’t quite on the same wavelength at the weekend, but their record as a pair is positive.
The attacking players at Stamford Bridge, including Jackson, should love sharing the pitch with Palmer because he’s got the vision and technique to create so much.
Earlier in the season, Cole Palmer shared he works with Nicolas Jackson all the time in training on their connection.