Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has admitted that Cole Palmer needs to learn lessons from receiving a red card during Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Tottenham at Stamford Bridge. Palmer received his first yellow card in the 71st minute for barging into Mateus Fernandes. He then received his second just nine minutes later after a reckless stamp on Conor Gallagher.
That red card came just three minutes after Mike Penders put Spurs ahead with an own goal, and Mathys Tel sealed the win in the 87th minute, giving Tottenham their first league win at Stamford Bridge since April 2018. After the match, Alonso admitted he had not seen the incidents, but he admitted that the red card was a lesson for Palmer.
However, Alonso added that discipline is something the team need to work on:
“We think [up until] now we haven’t received any red cards (this season) and we need to continue that way because we need to have this maturity to deal with difficult moments.”
It was the first red card that Chelsea have received this season. However, it marks their 100th red card in the Premier League. Only Everton and Arsenal had reached this milestone before them. But Alonso is not concerned about the 24-year-old’s temperament. He told reporters:
“It’s not a concern, his focus on the game when he’s enjoying it and after the 1-0 it’s key to keep calm and mature.”
Palmer will miss Wednesday’s League Cup last-16 clash against Liverpool due to his suspension. Chelsea sit in 4th place in the Premier League with 13 points from 8 games.
“He Was Lucky To Avoid A Red Card Earlier” – Gary Neville Criticises Cole Palmer
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville was very critical of Palmer’s red card. Commentating on Sky Sports, Neville said that the Chelsea star had lost his head in a tense second half. He added:
“He was lucky to avoid a red card earlier, and that one is a no-brainer.”
Neville was referring to the incident earlier in the game when Palmer clashed with Fernandes. The Chelsea forward ran into the Portuguese midfielder, who had just handled the ball to stop a promising attack. This led to a quick scuffle involving players from both sides and members of both benches.
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi also felt Palmer should have received a straight red card, while Neville also noted Morgan Rogers could have been shown a red card for a late foul on Gallagher.