Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
One Chelsea player left Paul Scholes far from impressed following his performance in the Blues’ 2-1 loss to Arsenal over the weekend.
Morgan Rogers continued his fine form for his new club after scoring Chelsea’s only goal of the game.
However, his teammate Cole Palmer had a much quieter afternoon at the Emirates, which has not gone unnoticed.
Chelsea player ratings vs Arsenal
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Paul Scholes disappointed with Cole Palmer’s performance against Arsenal
After his start to the season, Scholes was expecting much more from Palmer, who scored in both of Chelsea’s Premier League games prior to their trip to north London.
However, as a former player himself, Scholes did acknowledge how difficult it is to play in big games.
Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football, the Manchester United legend said: “Sorry, do you know who was a little bit disappointing yesterday? Cole Palmer. Yeah, he didn’t have that usual quality. And especially in those first two games, I mean, he was a little bit off it, I suppose. But, you know what? He’s playing in a big game. It’s not easy to play in a big game.”
Cole Palmer of Chelsea
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
It was always going to be a difficult afternoon for Palmer and co. Arsenal are the best team in the Premier League, and defensively, there is not a better outfit in the world than Mikel Arteta’s side.
Chelsea, though, were not helped by Moises Caicedo’s unavailability, as the midfielder continues to struggle with an injury problem.
Had the Ecuadorian been fit enough to play, perhaps Xabi Alonso’s men would have been able to get something from the game.
Cole Palmer criticism fair as big-game struggles continue
Scholes is not the only person who has criticised Palmer. After failing to score or provide an assist against Arsenal, his big-game record has now become a talking point.
Last season, Palmer did not come up with a goal contribution against Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur.
He did have an ongoing groin injury, but even the campaign before that, Palmer struggled to make an impact against the traditional big six.
Ultimately, after his latest showing, Palmer does deserve some criticism. Arsenal away is the sort of game where Chelsea need him the most, but the England international was nowhere to be seen.