The first game against Leeds this season was a major turning point in many ways.
Just before that, Chelsea had picked up an impressive win against Barcelona, almost beaten Arsenal, and looked to really be in gear and preparing for a competitive season. But that 3-1 defeat led to a spiral of bad results which a month later were part of the reason Enzo Maresca left.
Palmer’s struggles mirror Chelsea’s as attacker tries to play his way into form
Cole Palmer with his match ball.
Cole Palmer with his match ball. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)
That game also saw Cole Palmer made his return from injury after 74 days out. It felt like the attacker’s return would be the catalyst to take what had already been a good season and make it a great one. But instead, Palmer’s struggles have been just as consistent as Chelsea’s.
He’s not been able to stay fit, build up any form or confidence, and remains largely limited to sub appearances.
“I don’t think [I’m 100 per cent fit] just yet,” the 23-year-old admitted last week.
But Saturday’s game against Wolves showed signs of great promise. Not only did he score a hattrick, he also looked to be moving more smoothly, playing with more joy and developing some chemistry with teammates.
Let’s hope that tonight’s game against Leeds can be a marker in the opposite way to the first meeting a couple of months ago.
In other news…
Chelsea can expect a major test tonight against Leeds. The Whites will be really motivated after beating us in the first league meeting between the two sides earlier this season, and the Blues will want revenge for that defeat. Liam Rosenior has outlined the opposition’s main threat.
While Chelsea were very good in the first half on Saturday, they eased off in the second. Liam Rosenior explained why he thought that had happened in his press conference yesterday. Let’s hope there’s no repeat tonight.
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