Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has advised Cole Palmer to remain optimistic and keep enjoying his football, expressing confidence that the goals will soon return. The 22-year-old, who leads Chelsea’s scoring charts in the Premier League this season, has now gone seven matches without finding the net.
Despite Palmer’s struggles in front of goal, Chelsea cruised to a commanding 4-0 victory over bottom-placed Southampton on Tuesday, securing a spot in the league’s top four. While several teammates got on the scoresheet, Palmer squandered multiple clear-cut chances throughout the contest.
Nevertheless, Maresca emphasized that the team remains satisfied with Palmer’s performances and encouraged the young forward to stay upbeat. Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Maresca said, “He just needs to keep working, stay happy, and continue laughing as he usually does. These periods are normal, and if he keeps going, the goals will come.”
A temporary dip in form
Palmer began the season in outstanding form, scoring 14 goals and providing six assists in his first 21 league appearances. However, he has been unable to contribute to a goal since then.
Many Chelsea fans and Fantasy Football managers had anticipated that the home fixture against Southampton, a team with the league’s worst defensive record, would be the perfect opportunity for Palmer to break his drought. He registered seven attempts on goal, equaling the highest tally by a Chelsea player in a single league game this season.
Palmer missed two major opportunities in one-on-one situations during the first half, with one shot saved by Aaron Ramsdale and the other going wide. He also failed to convert a cutback after the interval, blasting his effort over the bar. His total chances accumulated an expected goals (xG) value of 1.07.
A late free kick, also kept out by Ramsdale, saw Palmer react with a smile, seemingly acknowledging his run of bad luck. Maresca praised this reaction, stating, “It’s all about how you respond, and he is handling it well. He is smiling, he is happy, and we are sure he will score again soon.”
Neto impresses in false-nine role
With Nicolas Jackson sidelined due to a thigh injury, Pedro Neto was deployed in a central attacking role, a position he has adapted to effectively. The Portuguese forward played a crucial role in Tuesday’s victory, scoring once and providing an assist.
Maresca revealed that Chelsea had experimented with other options before settling on Neto. “We first tried Palmer up front, then Nkunku against Brighton, but it didn’t quite work. The following week, we tested Pedro in training and we saw potential. He was excellent against Villa, offering a direct threat in behind,” he explained.
Neto capitalized on a well-timed pass from Nkunku to score Chelsea’s second goal against Southampton, showcasing his ability to break through defenses. Maresca acknowledged that this ability to make runs in behind sets Neto apart from Palmer and Nkunku.
So far, Neto has recorded three goals and four assists in the league, with two of each coming in his last four appearances, underlining his growing influence in Chelsea’s attack.
Fan protests and manager’s call for trust
Ahead of the Southampton clash, around 100 Chelsea fans demonstrated against the club’s ownership, voicing their dissatisfaction with banners and chants.
The protests come nearly three years after the BlueCo consortium, led by Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, took control of the club. However, Maresca remains confident in the club’s trajectory. “Right now, the fans need to believe in the process. We have been in the top four for most of the season,” he said.
He further urged supporters to stand behind the squad, emphasizing their commitment. “The players are working tirelessly every day to bring this club back into the Champions League,” he concluded.
