Given how poor Chelsea have been since the turn of the year, it is easy for some to forget just how good they were in the early stages of the season.
The Blues looked like genuine threats to the title contenders in the Premier League, whilst boasting a perfect record in Europe via the Conference League.
Enzo Maresca impressed too, however kept it real with supporters by constantly claiming that it was too early for them to even think about winning the league this season.
This theory has been proven right in the weeks and months since though, and a number of key players have dropped off individually which has also impacted them.
Nicolas Jackson went on a rough run in front of goal before getting injured, and Cole Palmer is currently in his worst patch by far since making the move to Stamford Bridge.
Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
Cole Palmer named in Premier League Team of the Season
Perhaps the biggest sign of the drop in form was the sight of Palmer missing a penalty for the first time in his senior career during the 1-0 win at home to Leicester.
Despite the tough run, the England international sits on 20 goal involvements in the league this season, and is the club’s top scorer in the Premier League.
Cole Palmer Premier League stats 24/25 Total
Games 28
Goals 14
Assists 6
These strong numbers have seen Palmer named in WhoScored’s statistical Team of the Season, alongside the likes of Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland.
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There is no place in the side for the likes of Moises Caicedo and Marc Cucurella despite their consistently impressive performances in a Chelsea shirt this season.
Cole Palmer injury latest
Palmer was absent due to injury for the very first time for Chelsea this season when the Blues lined up for their latest league game against Arsenal.
The attacker has not headed off to represent England at this stage, although Palmer’s first scan showed positive signs.
The former Manchester City man is set to undergo more tests at Cobham this week to look to get to the bottom of what the problem is though, with him still feeling pain in his hamstring area.
The Blues will be desperate for him to contribute in the final nine league games of the season, and put an end to his nightmare spell in front of goal as soon as possible.