Enzo Maresca was still pleased with Cole Palmer’s performance in Chelsea’s 1-0 win against Everton on Saturday even though the attacker failed to score.
Palmer is now on a run of 17 games without a goal following his blank in the Blues’ victory over the Toffees.
Before the game, Arsenal legend Paul Merson discussed Palmer’s form, giving a few reasons for his struggles.
Maresca, though, was satisfied with his latest display and thought he did one thing particularly well.
Cole Palmer pressed well in Chelsea’s 1-0 win against Everton
Former Chelsea defender Gary Cahill is not worried about Palmer’s form, and it does not look like Maresca is either.
The Chelsea manager is confident that the attacking midfielder will return to his best and was still happy with how he pressed on Saturday.
“We have said many times that we don’t have doubts for the ones who for part of the season struggle a little bit, like Nico [Nicolas Jackson], like Cole, like Robert [Sanchez],” Maresca was quoted as saying by Chelsea’s official website. “It’s the moment you have to support them even more.
“Hopefully Cole soon can score goals, but I thought his performance today was very good. He sacrificed and was pressing well. It’s just a matter of time for all of them and for sure they are going to help us.”
While Palmer has stopped scoring, he can still be satisfied with his overall contribution this season.
In 33 Premier League appearances, the 22-year-old has still been able to net 14 goals and register eight assists.
Last season, Palmer scored 22 goals and recorded 11 assists in the same number of games, so he has obviously not been as consistent this term. However, with the Englishman still being quite a young player, it is not abnormal.
Despite his dip in form, Rangers icon Ally McCoist thinks Palmer will attract interest but has tipped him to remain at Stamford Bridge.
Cole Palmer’s numbers vs Everton
While Palmer was unable to find the back of the net against Everton on Saturday, the England international still carried a threat.
For example, Palmer was able to make two key passes and complete three dribbles. It was by no means his worst game in a Chelsea shirt.
| Cole Palmer vs Everton | Total |
| Minutes | 89 |
| Accurate passes | 29/34 (85%) |
| Key passes | 2 |
| Crosses (accurate) | 3 (2) |
| Long balls (accurate) | 6 (3) |
| Dribble attempts (successful) | 3 (3) |
| Ground duels (won) | 6 (4) |
Next up in the Premier League for Palmer and Chelsea is a tough tie against Liverpool at home. Arne Slot’s men should be champions by then, needing just a point against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday to win the title, so hopefully they go easy on Maresca’s side!
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