Cole Palmer had a very mixed night on Tuesday following Chelsea’s game against Bournemouth.
The attacking midfielder started the Premier League encounter and managed to score in it.
However, Palmer was taken off just after the hour mark and Chelsea eventually went on to draw 2-2 with Andoni Iraola’s side.
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Chelsea fans were not happy with Maresca following his decision to substitute the 23-year-old, aiming chants of “You don’t know what you’re doing” at their manager.
Chelsea's English midfielder #10 Cole Palmer leaves the game
Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images
Cole Palmer pretends to take corner while giving wry smile
While Chelsea were disappointed to see Palmer withdrawn from the game, the Englishman did not look too frustrated.
As Palmer made his way to the Chelsea dugout, he even had a bit of fun with the Bournemouth supporters.
Palmer pretended to take a corner that Chelsea had just won while giving Bournemouth fans a wry smile, a scene caught by journalist Lloyd Canfield.
Chelsea fans not happy with Enzo Maresca…
Chelsea fans booed when Cole Palmer was taken off in the second half.
What did you make of the England international’s performance?
Cole Palmer for Chelsea vs Bournemouth
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
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Palmer did not have the best game against Aston Villa, so it is great that he was able to get his name on the scoresheet on Tuesday.
Chelsea fans will now be hoping that he can do the same this weekend, with a tough match against Manchester City at the Etihad awaiting.
Fans of Chelsea applaud Cole Palmer of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Bournemouth
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca shouldn’t have taken off Cole Palmer
With that City game fast approaching and Palmer just returning from injury, it is easy to understand Maresca’s decision to substitute the England international.
The Chelsea head coach wants to manage his fitness and have him ready for the trip to the Etihad.
However, Chelsea needed another goal against Bournemouth in a game that was very winnable. The same cannot be said about their fixture with City, which most would predict them to lose.
Ultimately, Maresca would have been better off leaving Palmer on and turning to him for the winner, rather than save the attacker for the City game, which Chelsea are likely to lose anyway based on their current form.
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