On Sunday afternoon, Chelsea had a golden opportunity to claim the top spot in the Premier League with a victory over Everton at Goodison Park. Despite dominating the game with 75% possession and registering five shots on target, the Blues were unable to find the back of the net, resulting in a frustrating 0-0 stalemate.
After the match, fans took to social media to express their disappointment, with much of the criticism surprisingly aimed at Cole Palmer. The 22-year-old, who has been a key figure for Chelsea, found himself at the center of fan frustrations as many blamed him for the team’s inability to secure all three points.
One disgruntled supporter remarked, “Palmer was off it today; not sure why he wasn’t subbed for Felix. The energy just wasn’t there.” Another questioned the hype surrounding Palmer, stating, “Could’ve sworn the best player in the league was playing against Everton today? Or maybe he’s just not as incredible as people make him out to be. Stop putting Palmer on a pedestal he doesn’t deserve.”
Some fans were even more critical, with one commenting, “Cole Palmer has been rubbish all season. His performances are only masked by penalties and the occasional assist.” Another fan added, “Palmer isn’t the same player he was last season. I don’t care if he’s still getting goals and assists; he’s no longer performing at that insane level he did last year.”
Palmer’s debut season at Stamford Bridge was nothing short of spectacular. The winger delivered 27 goals and 15 assists in 48 appearances, setting the bar high for his subsequent performances. This season, though he has already notched 11 goals and six assists in 19 matches across all competitions, his form has been inconsistent, leading to growing discontent among fans who expected more from him.
The draw left Chelsea in second place on the league table, opening the door for Liverpool to extend their lead. With a game in hand, the Reds could potentially go four points clear if they secure a win against Tottenham Hotspur in London. Liverpool remains unbeaten away from home this season, and the clash with Spurs presents them with a chance to further solidify their position at the top of the table as the festive period approaches.
For Chelsea, the result has raised questions about their ability to capitalize on key moments, with fans calling for improvements as they aim to keep pace in the title race.