Cole Palmer has struggled with form and fitness all season, and yesterday was just the latest example of his issues.
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There was a moment in the first half against Arsenal yesterday when Cole Palmer dropped to the ground in the middle of play looking dejected. The physios came on, other attackers started warming up and everyone expected Palmer to be taken off.
He was clearly feeling some pain – it appeared to be an issue with his knee – but one would be forgiven for thinking that part of his desire to go off was down to pure frustration. In the end, he came back on and played on well into the second half.
Palmer a step slow, disconnected and disengaged
Cole Palmer looks frustrated against Burnley.
Cole Palmer looks frustrated against Burnley. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
But again the attacker was just not at his usual standards. He was trying things which didn’t come off, and felt like he was a step slow in every action.
We’ve reached the point where people are asking for him to be dropped – but they clearly haven’t had much of a look at what alternatives we have on the bench right now.
People on social media are calling for him to get surgery, even though we don’t actually know he’s carrying a problem which surgery would help. It’s almost wishful thinking from fans hoping that whatever’s the matter can be fixed that easily.
In other news…
Sky Sports’ Dermot Gallagher said Chelsea should have had at least one penalty due to Arsenal’s set piece antics.
It’s supercomputer season, and the latest update on the remaining fixtures isn’t pretty for Chelsea after 3 games without a win.
Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:
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