Paul Merson addresses Cole Palmer’s form after another poor Chelsea performance, shares theory that ‘everything closes up’…

Add as preferred source on Google

It can’t be a coincidence that Cole Palmer’s dip in form has coincided with Chelsea’s inconsistent results recently.

Without a doubt, Cole Palmer is the most talented and important player in the Chelsea squad. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder is following up last year’s debut season with the Blues with another eye-catching campaign in his second.

However, there’s always so much responsibility on the left-footed playmaker to make the difference from the No 10 position.

Palmer is without a goal or assist in his last five appearances across all competitions.

In February so far, Chelsea started with a narrow Premier League win over West Ham. That’s been followed by back-to-back losses against Brighton, first in the FA Cup and then in the Premier League.

Even Palmer received a low score in Chelsea’s player ratings versus Brighton during Friday night’s 3-0 league defeat away from home.

• READ MORE: Cole Palmer has significantly improved in one attacking statistic in 2024/25 versus last season, he’s more than doubled it

Paul Merson discusses Cole Palmer’s recent form at Chelsea

Paul Merson has shared the theory that Palmer is really struggling without Chelsea teammate Nicolas Jackson on the football pitch with him.

Blues striker Jackson, 23, had to come off injured in the recent victory over West Ham. Afterwards, he’s not been involved in either match against Brighton.

Instead, Palmer has found it difficult linking up with Christopher Nkunku, who’s stepped in as cover for the No 9 role.

“They miss Jackson. Palmer makes Jackson, Jackson makes Palmer,” Merson told Sky Sports Premier League.

“People will go, ‘Don’t be silly, Palmer is an unbelievable player,’ but you’re only as good as the players playing in front of you. He’s got no movement at the moment…

“When Jackson makes runs, he stretches the game. Then Palmer comes in there and gets the ball. Now, Nkunku comes short, and everything closes up.”

Gary Neville said Palmer and Nkunku were “useless” together in Chelsea’s defeat to Brighton on Friday.

Therefore, it’s very concerning that Jackson isn’t expected back for the Blues until April because of his hamstring injury.

Cole Palmer connection with Nicolas Jackson

Back in December, Palmer admitted him and Jackson work hard on their relationship together as Chelsea’s two key attackers.

It’s no surprise to see the duo have directly combined for plenty goals during the one and a half seasons playing together.

Here is a look at Palmer’s record at Chelsea when it comes to the teammates he’s linked up with most for goals:

While Jackson is sidelined, Chelsea need to find a way to manage without his movement up top. As for Palmer, he needs a bit more help from others around him, especially wingers that are desperately out of form.