Cole Palmer showed huge personality in Chelsea’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal on Saturday.
That is according to Blues head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Chelsea let a two-goal advantage slip this evening to end up in a stalemate with Arsenal, but they certainly put down a marker that they can compete with the best teams in the division.
The Blues will be gutted not to get all three points in the Premier League fixture. You’ve got to take the performance as a big step in the right direction, though.
That team display today was a lot more like what Chelsea fans want to see from an expensively assembled squad.
The levels dipped in the closing stages to allow Arsenal to score two late goals and rescue a draw, but optimistic supporters should celebrate all the good signs.
Cole Palmer, 21, definitely fits into the box of major Chelsea positives.
The Blues winger, who actually played in a more central attacking position this weekend, scored a penalty in the first-half. It was his all-round game that impressed, though.
When discussing Palmer to BBC Sport (9:07pm, 21 October), Chelsea boss Pochettino said: “He is an unbelievable player. He is so young but is so open to learn. He showed his personality is strong.”
We’re happy to say that Chelsea’s £40million deal (Sky Sports) to sign Palmer from Manchester City this summer is now beginning to look like a serious bargain. This is despite some raising a few question marks at the deal when it went through.
Speaking via Sky Sports’ Main Event channel (6:01pm, 21 October), Gary Neville said that Palmer caused Arsenal so many problems on the weekend.
He’s a nuisance for opposition defenders with the intelligent pockets he picks up on the pitch, which is why he really suited the false-nine role today.
The left-footed forward has now scored in back-to-back league games, so we guess he’s a certain to start again next Saturday at home to Brentford. He should become a permanent feature under Pochettino.
There’s so much more to come from the talented 21-year-old youngster, too!
