Frank Leboeuf defends Chelsea player from ‘harsh’ criticism after Arsenal draw

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Chelsea have entered this international break off the back an interesting 1-1 draw at home to Arsenal on Sunday.

Chelsea came from behind to earn a point in the weekend’s draw against Arsenal, which means they sit third in the Premier League table for the next couple of weeks while domestic football pauses.

The Blues have made an impressive start to life under a new manager, with Enzo Maresca’s style of play definitely coming out on the pitch in his players. However, the top half of the league table is incredibly congested right now.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LiverpoolLiverpool	11	9	1	1	21	6	15	28
2	Man CityManchester City	11	7	2	2	22	13	9	23
3	ChelseaChelsea	11	5	4	2	21	13	8	19
4	ArsenalArsenal	11	5	4	2	18	12	6	19
5	Nottm ForestNottingham Forest	11	5	4	2	15	10	5	19
6	BrightonBrighton	11	5	4	2	19	15	4	19
7	FulhamFulham	11	5	3	3	16	13	3	18
8	NewcastleNewcastle	11	5	3	3	13	11	2	18
9	Aston VillaAston Villa	11	5	3	3	17	17	0	18
10	TottenhamTottenham	11	5	1	5	23	13	10	16

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has applauded Maresca’s impact at Chelsea. Can his team build on their positive first quarter of the season, though?

• READ MORE: What Chelsea fans were chanting at Declan Rice during Arsenal game

Frank Leboeuf insists Chelsea star Cole Palmer doesn’t warrant criticism

Frank Leboeuf has suggested that Chelsea’s Cole Palmer has received some unnecessary criticism for his individual performance against Arsenal a couple of days ago.

The 22-year-old Blues attacker failed to score or assist in Sunday’s London derby, but it’s been suggested he still made a decent impact.

Leboeuf told ESPN: “Don’t forget Cole Palmer is just a brand new player. He has been there for a year, and before he wasn’t even playing for Manchester City. So he has to mature his football a little bit more in order to know exactly what to do, but again, I am sorry, today in the first half he had a great shot, he served once another player. We can see that every time he touches the ball, something is happening.

“Yeah, it’s harder against Arsenal, City or Liverpool, and that’s absolutely normal. And maybe one day he is going to step up and be better and capable of dealing with two defenders or better defenders than he has normally playing for the teams, but it’s a little bit harsh to say that he wasn’t good today. Yes, against Liverpool he wasn’t there, it was more for me an accident, but today, I am sorry, he did a job, it wasn’t perfect, but he did a job.”

Michael Owen highlighted Chelsea’s Palmer wasn’t heavily involved in the Arsenal draw. He’s now failed to score or assist in league games against the Gunners, Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United this season.

Palmer was spotted limping after Chelsea’s match with Arsenal. The attacking playmaker did join up with the England squad on Monday, but he’s one of eight players to withdraw from the Three Lions camp for November’s international fixtures.

Has Cole Palmer gone missing for Chelsea this season?

First of all, Palmer’s critics should take a look at his attacking output this campaign to see his second year at Chelsea is still just as fruitful as his debut season. In 11 Premier League matches this season, Palmer has contributed seven goals and five assists.

However, is it fair to suggest that the No.10 playmaker has struggled in the bigger contest?

Here is a look at Palmer’s match ratings in the league this season:

The expectation on Palmer to deliver in these big matches will rise because he’s a special talent, so it’ll be interesting to see how he fares in the reverse meetings. Based on his career so far, nothing seems to faze him too much and he’ll silence any doubters.