Chelsea’s struggles in the Premier League continued last night by dropping more points at home to Bournemouth.
Chelsea could only manage a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth in Tuesday evening’s match at Stamford Bridge. In fact, it took a Reece James free-kick in stoppage time to level the game and rescue a point for the hosts.
Bournemouth’s Androni Iraola claims the last-minute James goal shouldn’t have stood, but a draw reflects the chaotic game of football.
After a dominant opening 45 minutes, the Blues should have been out of sight, but they missed numerous opportunities, leaving them with a one-goal advantage at the break. Yet again, Enzo Maresca watched his side come out in the second half much sloppier, and the momentum of the game suddenly shifted.
- READ MORE: Chelsea player ratings vs Bournemouth as Moises Caicedo gets 5/10 and Enzo Fernandez shines in draw
Chelsea fans criticise Enzo Maresca for not making substitution vs Bournemouth
Many Chelsea supporters on social media think that Maresca made a big mistake not taking off Cole Palmer yesterday.
Palmer scored his 14th league goal of the season to put the hosts in front against Bournemouth. However, Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo made it 2-1 to the visitors during a very different second half. Thankfully, James’ late heroics rescued a point.
According to supporters, Palmer was visibly tired as the game grew on and his influence lessened. It’s claimed that the head coach is too afraid to substitute off the key 22-year-old Blues attacker.
One fan wrote: “Why don’t we take Palmer off ? That man is tired but he has to play every single minute.”
“Palmer is tired and Maresca can’t substitute him out the the game. Shameful,” another added.”
One supporter posted: “Why doesn’t palmer get subbed off? I can’t remember the last time he didn’t look so tired after the 70th minute and losing possession.”
“Palmer looked tired after taking the knock first half,” another said.”
One fan commented: “Maresca should learn to take palmer off whenever he feels tired.”
It’s hard to argue that Palmer should be removed from the pitch when Chelsea are losing because he’s the one individual who’s most likely to create or score a goal. However, the fanbase may have spotted something in the English playmaker getting tired late in matches.
Joe Cole said Chelsea’s Palmer reminds him of Lionel Messi for his performance versus Bournemouth. Even the greatest players can be substituted, though.
Cole Palmer hits landmark vs Bournemouth
With his goal in midweek against Bournemouth, Palmer hit 20 goal contributions in the Premier League this season. It’s already 14 goals and six assists in the league for the Chelsea attacker.
Remarkably, the youngster is the first Blues player since Eden Hazard to achieve the individual feat.
Jamie Carragher has urged England boss Jamie Carragher to start Chelsea’s Palmer. It’s going to be interesting to see if the new national team manager does pick the Blues playmaker, who’s in the conversation for the Premier League’s best player right now.
Palmer hit 33 league goal contributions last season (22 goals, 11 assists), so his aim should be to go past that tally now this year.
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