Cole Palmer was unable to help Chelsea turn around their one-goal deficit against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.
Palmer and Chelsea went into the second leg of their semi-final tie a goal down after losing the first leg 3-2.
The attacking midfielder was brought on in the second half but could not really impact the game.
Enzo Fernandez on the left…?
What do you make of Liam Rosenior’s starting side?
Arsenal v Chelsea - Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg
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Palmer and his Chelsea teammates fought; however, Kai Havertz scored in stoppage time to secure a 1-0 win for Arsenal and 4-2 victory across the two legs. Ultimately, Liam Rosenior’s gameplan failed, with its success having hinged on Palmer.
John Barnes and Matthew Upson working as television pundits
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Matthew Upson saw Cole Palmer drifting everywhere on Emirates pitch
When Palmer was brought on, he was given the freedom to drift around and try to cause Arsenal problems, an observation made by former Premier League defender Matthew Upson.
Rosenior wanted to keep Chelsea in the tie so started the London derby with a back five before introducing Palmer and Estevao Willian to the game with the hope that they could score or create a goal for his side.
Commentating on Chelsea’s defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates for the BBC, Upson said: “He [Palmer] is in the 10 position, and he is just hunting the ball. He is drifting to wherever he wants to be on the pitch.”
Did Rosenior get his tactics wrong against Arteta? 🤔
Hindsight is a wonderful thing…
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While Palmer and Estevao could not make too much of a difference after coming on, Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber still had plenty of praise for the duo.
As Timber discussed Palmer and Estevao in a post-match interview, the Netherlands international hailed the two Chelsea stars as “amazing” players.
Liam Rosenior Head Coach of Chelsea with Cole Palmer
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Liam Rosenior’s use of Cole Palmer will define Chelsea’s season
What Rosenior does with Palmer in Chelsea’s remaining games will be very interesting to see.
If the 41-year-old continues to be cautious with him, the Blues are unlikely to win any trophies and will probably miss out on top four.
However, if Rosenior can help the England international to find some consistency again and utilise him in that right half-space where he causes so much damage, Chelsea can have a successful season.
Of course, Palmer’s fitness means things may be taken out of Rosenior’s hands. If the medical team are limiting the number of minutes that the former Manchester City man can play, there is not much Rosenior can do.
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