Despite Chelsea claiming all three points against Leicester City at Stamford Bridge at the weekend, one players tough run of form showed no signs of coming to an end.
Cole Palmer endured his eighth game in a row in all competitions without finding the net, as he cut a frustrated figure before being replaced in the second half.
While Chelsea’s star man has missed a number of big chances in recent weeks, he was presented his best opportunity to break his duck yet when Jadon Sancho was fouled in the penalty area early on.
After previously boasting a perfect record from the spot for club and country in his senior career, Palmer missed a penalty for the first time, with Mads Hermansen making the save.
Palmer scored a 5/10 on our ratings for the win at Stamford Bridge, a figure that a few months ago would be unheard of based on the impact he has had on the Blues since he joined.
Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Enzo Fernandez first to approach Cole Palmer after missed penalty
Palmer vowed he would ‘be back’ following another rough outing recently against Southampton, however he has relied on his teammates to help him through the worst period of his Chelsea career so far.
One player who has helped this occur is Enzo Fernandez, who has rediscovered his form in the final third recently with multiple goals and assists.
According to FourFourTwo, It was the Argentine who reacted first after Palmer’s penalty was pushed behind for a corner, as he looked to keep his teammate focused on the task in hand.
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The Blues would go on to win thanks to Marc Cucurella’s sensational goal, with Fernandez one of those who put in a remarkable performance in the middle of the park.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Enzo Fernandez quickly becoming a Chelsea leader
Despite being just 24 years of age, a lot of responsibility has been put upon Fernandez to lead the squad given what he has achieved in the game.
This was notably on display when he was introduced at half-time of the Conference League Round of 16 tie against Copenhagen, where he found the net in the second half.
Jason Cundy noted Chelsea were more organised after Fernandez’s introduction, and he will have a key part to play in Chelsea’s final 10 games of the league season.
It is expected that the World Cup winner will line up alongside Moises Caicedo in their next game against Arsenal, after he avoided a yellow card and two-game suspension against Leicester.