Manchester City got the better of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon, with Cole Palmer once again on the losing side against Pep Guardiola’s Arsenal-hunting side.
Chelsea narrowly shaded the first half, but Nico O’Reilly headed home in the first five minutes of the second half. Then, Marc Guehi scored a second soon after, and Jeremy Doku made it 3-0 to Man City.
During the international break, former Chelsea boss and current England manager Thomas Tuchel said that Palmer’s best position as a no.10. Well, in the two games since the break, Palmer has started as a 10.
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Clearly, Liam Rosenior has listened to the Three Lions gaffer. Palmer has produced two impressive outings since being given the 10 role again. For much of Sunday’s clash, Palmer got the better of City’s Rodri.
Indeed, Palmer turned Rodri inside out in the first few minutes. The Chelsea star was seen venting at ref Chris Kavanagh because Rodri had escaped a yellow, as he looked to get the better of his old club.
Man City fans picked on Cole Palmer during Chelsea clash
As mentioned earlier, anything good Chelsea did, Palmer was involved. Recently, the England star said he has “turned a corner” after his injury frustration and even suggested he was previously unable to shoot.
Chelsea v Manchester City - Premier League
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But as Palmer looked to get the best of his old club, three years after leaving The Etihad to join Chelsea for £40m in 2023, Man City fans were doing their best to put the Chelsea talent off, from the stands.
BBC Sports reporter Nizaar Kinsella reported on X that City fans were attempting to tease Palmer: “Cole Palmer is looking really sharp while copping some ‘City reject’ chants from the away end.”
Despite some positive signs from Chelsea, especially in the first 45, Man City showed why they are a level above Rosenior’s side. They took advantage of their spell on top, scoring two goals in just six minutes.
Cole Palmer’s frustration against Man City continues
While it was an okay-ish performance from Rosenior’s Chelsea, Palmer’s frustrating run against the Premier League champions continues. Of course, Palmer will have hoped to get the better of City.
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But it is now seven games he has played against Man City, and seven games without beating Pep Guardiola’s men: Four defeats, three draws, stretching back to his exit from his boyhood club in 2023.
Indeed, Palmer’s record against City is not particularly impressive, either. Just one goal, coming in the crazy 4-4 draw during his first season as a Chelsea player. Palmer has also failed to lay on any assists.
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