As Chelsea’s wingers showed their class in the FA Cup against Charlton, it was a strange weekend for Noni Madueke at Arsenal.
Pedro Neto ended his goal drought, while Jamie Gittens put in his best performance since his summer move from Borussia Dortmund. Estevao Willian also made things look easy when he came off the bench.
Meanwhile, Madueke picked up two assists from set pieces, however missed the chance to add to his goal tally by failing to hit the target with a first half penalty.
What are your first impressions of Liam Rosenior’s tactics following Chelsea’s FA Cup win against Charlton?
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Chelsea defender Jorrel Hato discussing Liam Rosenior's style of play
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Despite his own issues this season, the England international has landed on a team where the prospect of winning the Premier League is now very likely.
Noni Madueke smiling
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Noni Madueke says Cole Palmer is better than any Arsenal player right now
Arsenal were second best when they played Chelsea at the start of December, although currently sit six points clear at the top of the table.
Despite the performances of the likes of Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and David Raya on a regular basis, it seems none of them have yet matched the ability of Cole Palmer so far.
Madueke told ESPN that the three best players he has played with are Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Palmer, snubbing his current teammates.
The duo combined for eight goals at Stamford Bridge, including three in the same game when Palmer assisted Madueke for all three of his hat-trick goals.
West Ham United FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League
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Major doubts over Palmer to face Arsenal
Palmer was only fit enough to make the bench for the league game against Arsenal, where he was not risked following Moises Caicedo’s red card.
Finish our XI to face Arsenal!
Cole Palmer is struggling with a minor injury, but would you still risk him?
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There are doubts Palmer will be fit for the EFL Cup semi-final first leg, which will be Liam Rosenior’s first game against Premier League opposition.
Reece James and Malo Gusto are also doubts for the game, leaving the new manager with some serious selection headaches.
It is likely that Enzo Fernandez starts in the advanced midfield role. He found the net from the penalty spot off the bench in Rosenior’s first game against Charlton.
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