Now regarded the ‘star-man’ after his heroics last season which saw him hit the 30+ goal contributions mark, Cole Palmer continues to shun speculations of a downturn in form and influence.
After solely guiding the blues to a win with four goals in the just concluded 4-2 home win against Brighton, we have but no choice to take a closer look into the performance of Cole Palmer.
Starting off in his preferred ‘number 10’ role just behind the striker, Cole Palmer was in devastating form and mood as he took apart Brighton’s high-line time and time again.
Dropping off the frontline into right centre mid positions, Palmer looked to get enough space outside of Brighton’s congested midfield block for two gains.
First, to draw out a defender as Dunk/Weiffer tried to man-mark Cole.
Second, to get enough time on the ball before picking apart the defence with his well time through balls over the top of the sluggish Brighton backline.
The two sides of Palmer was witnessed to an incredibly high-level today.
Palmer the creator and Palmer the deadly finisher.
Palmer the creator created the most chances of the game with four while Palmer the finisher score four brilliant goals including an exceptional free-kick.
There’s barely any argument left as to whether Cole Palmer is the best finisher in the Chelsea ranks, and rightly so.
The 22-year old is the gift that keeps delivering, he is the complete package.
In addition to the Palmer praise, it is pertinent we mention the case of Robert Sanchez.
As good a goalkeeper Rob Sanchez is and has been, there is increasing need to hold a conversation about the Spanish international.
It is no secret that the former Brighton goalie has an inherent ‘Bozo’ gene and moment, but the nature and timing of his errors tend to have really damning effect on the whole team.
Backtrack to last season, the mistakes against Arsenal, Newcastle and Brighton remain fresh in the memory.
Truly, mistakes are part of the game and for a goalkeeper tasked to build-up attacks from the first line.
Yes, mistakes are to be expected but if Sanchez does not cut them out of his game real quick, there just might be another ‘Petrovic’ moment as the season goes on with new goalkeeper signing Filip Jorgensen waiting for his Premier League chance.
Sanchez’s poor distribution today (4/18 completed long balls) saw us struggle to sustain any form of possession and pressure in the early parts of the game.
After committing two errors today, Sanchez’s position in the team would begin to raise eyebrows if error-ridden performances like this continue.
Next up for Chelsea is a home European tie against Belgian outfit Gent, on Thursday, where Jorgensen will have another chance to convince Maresca and the Chelsea faithfuls of his readiness to stake a claim at being number one.
