Alan Smith thinks Cole Palmer should have taken more responsibility during one moment in Chelsea’s 0-0 draw with Bournemouth earlier today.
Late in the second half, Cole Palmer found himself in a good shooting position but decided to pass the ball to Raheem Sterling instead of trying to test the goalkeeper.
Discussing that moment during Sky Sports‘ live coverage of the match, Smith said: “I mean, Cole Palmer. I know he’s new to the club, I know he’s young, but he should’ve taken responsibility there. He’s central of the goal.”
It was Palmer’s second appearance for Chelsea since his arrival from Manchester City on deadline day, with the Blues paying an initial £40m fee for his signature.
The attacking midfielder will now be looking to make his first start for his new club when they take on Aston Villa next Sunday.
Should Cole Palmer start against Aston Villa?
Right now, Mauricio Pochettino’s attack is just not clicking. Following that 0-0 draw with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, Chelsea have now failed to score in consecutive games.
When you consider that, there is no harm in giving Palmer his first start against Villa and seeing if he can bring a bit of cutting edge to the team’s forward line or just something different.
Looking at the big picture, though, Chelsea are only going to truly improve once they have a clinical forward in their side.
Palmer, a young attacking midfielder, is not that, but Christopher Nkunku, for example, has proven to be such. The Blues desperately need him fit again, but until he is back, it is up to the likes of Palmer, Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Jackson to deliver.