Cole Palmer left a lot to be desired after his Chelsea display in the 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.
The 23-year-old struggled against Palace, as concerns are starting to grow around the midfielder after he endured a quiet second half of the campaign last season.
He enjoyed a return to form throughout Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign, culminating in a phenomenal two-goal performance against PSG in the final.
Palmer has drawn comparisons to Eden Hazard following his explosive impact in West London since arriving from Manchester City in 2023.
Chelsea v Crystal Palace - Premier League
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
And although the Blues have embarked on yet another frivolous summer spending spree, Palmer has added fuel to the flames after he sent a direct message to a player on the radar at Stamford Bridge.
Cole Palmer sends congratulations to Morgan Rogers
Aston Villa talisman Morgan Rogers was named as the 2025 PFA Young Player of the Year after an incredible breakout season at Villa Park.
Palmer, the recipient of last year’s award, took to Instagram to congratulate his fellow countryman on his achievement.
He wrote “Proud of you my boy.”
TBR Football exclusively revealed in June that Chelsea enquired about signing Rogers but were swiftly informed that the England international is not for sale.
Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa in action during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Newcastle United at Villa Park.
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Any lingering PSR concerns have been eased by Jacob Ramsey’s sale to Newcastle United and the expectation in the West Midlands is Rogers will remain at Aston Villa beyond the 1 September deadline.
Chelsea are always on the lookout for opportunities in the transfer market but after acquiring Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Estevao for the forward ranks, it is unlikely the Blues will move for Rogers also.
Chelsea do not need to sign Morgan Rogers
Enzo Maresca will undoubtedly feel aggrieved after his new-look frontline failed to breach a stubborn Crystal Palace defence.
Gittens was replaced by Estevao less than 10 minutes in the second half at Stamford Bridge, whereas Joao Pedro was hooked for Delap in the 73rd minute.
Of course, the Chelsea faithful would have loved to see their summer arrivals hit the ground running in the Premier League, but there is no need for panic after only one game of football.
The Blues secured a return to Champions League football last season with exit-linked Nicolas Jackson leading the line, and after lifting the Club World Cup in July, the early signs are positive for another impressive campaign – it is only a matter of time before the new side begins to click in West London.