It is fair to say that Chelsea’s interim boss Calum McFarlane was quite pleased with Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto following their performances against Liverpool on Saturday.
Both players started the game as Chelsea went on to draw 1-1 at Anfield and secure their first point in the Premier League since the start of March.
They could have won the match had Palmer’s goal in the second half not been disallowed. But after everything that has happened over these past few months, the team will take the point.
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Calum McFarlane on Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto rotating during Chelsea’s draw with Liverpool
With Pedro Neto and Estevao Willian both out injured, Palmer started on the right side of Chelsea’s attack.
Gusto played at right-back, and McFarlane was impressed with how the two players rotated when the team were going forward.
Speaking in his post-match press conference after the game, which has been shared by football.london, McFarlane said: “I think we were effective down both sides, in my honest opinion. I thought Cole and Malo caused them real problems with their rotation on the right.”
Next up for Chelsea is the FA Cup final against Manchester City, and there is no doubt that Palmer will start that match.
Milos Kerkez of Liverpool is challenged by Cole Palmer of Chelsea
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He is Chelsea’s best player, while the Blues have injury issues in attack right now, though Neto and Alejandro Garnacho could both be back before the trip to Wembley.
As for Gusto, he could be benched. Reece James is fully fit again and made an appearance at Anfield after replacing Andrey Santos just after the hour mark.
Towards the end of the match, James was heard shouting at Filip Jorgensen, trying to get the Chelsea goalkeeper to go long.
The Chelsea captain did not want any costly errors so late in the game with his side on the verge of ending their atrocious run, and thankfully none occurred.
All attention will now turn to next weekend’s FA Cup final, and if Chelsea can put in a similar performance to their one at Anfield, they will have a shot at the trophy.
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