Steven Gerrard has issued a warning to Liverpool in the race to qualify for the Champions League, claiming Chelsea look like a “completely different animal” with Cole Palmer fit.
For the first time since Liam Rosenior took charge, Cole Palmer managed to start a second successive game on Tuesday night. Four goals came in those two games and really, he should have had five.
A hat-trick, albeit two from the penalty spot, came against Wolves on Saturday before Palmer netted a third penalty against Leeds. The playmaker also got an assist for Joao Pedro’s opener against Leeds.
How many points do Chelsea get from their next three PL games? 🤔
The top-four race is hotting up…
Despite only managing 18 appearances for Chelsea this season, the England star has still managed to have a hand in 12 goals for Chelsea and under Rosenior, nine goal involvements in just six matches.
Steven Gerrard says Cole Palmer can change ‘gravity of a match’
Despite all of that, Palmer managed to miss an absolute sitter to win the game for Chelsea against Leeds. A chance that Rosenior says Palmer scores 999 times out of 1000. Ultimately, Chelsea dropped points.
Chelsea v Leeds United - Premier League
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With Liverpool and Aston Villa winning on Wednesday night, the gap is tightening, especially given the run of games Chelsea face. But Steven Gerrard thinks Palmer’s return is a “concern” for Chelsea’s rivals.
The Liverpool icon told TNT Sports before Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Sunderland, that Chelsea are a “completely different animal” when Palmer is playing: “Every game remaining is big for Liverpool.
“With Palmer back, that’s a massive concern for others. The type of player who doesn’t just score goals; he changes the entire gravity of the pitch. When he’s on it, Chelsea look like a completely different animal.”
Liam Rosenior needs to listen to Mauricio Pochettino’s advice
While Rosenior seems to be getting the best out of Palmer, who himself has admitted he is not 100% fit, there is always room for improvement. If Rosenior is to listen to any advice, he should listen to Pochettino.
What is he talking about? 🤦♂️
Sam Allardyce discussing Chelsea's Cole Palmer
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In his first season at Chelsea, Pochettino got the best out of Palmer, giving the Englishman the freedom to have a hand in 42 goals. Pochettino recently said that Palmer must be afforded the freedom to shine.
“With Cole Palmer, you cannot say – move from here to there. That is your movement, it’s mechanical. No no. A player like him has the capacity to create emotion that makes people go crazy,” Pochettino said.
If Rosenior is to guide Chelsea back into the Champions League next season, which will be a fundamental requirement of his management, then it is absolutely key he keeps Palmer fit, but also, firing.
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