Chelsea boss, Enzo Maresca, has spoken about Cole Palmer’s performance in their 2-1 Premier league defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday.
It was Chelsea’s fifth defeat in nine league games and a missed opportunity to climb up to fourth in the league table.
Palmer, who had an exception first 18 months at Chelsea, is now experiencing his first slump in form at the club.
During yesterday’s game, the 22-year-old was not his real self, he did not just miss a huge chance but failed to influence the game.
Maresca fielded questions about Palmer’s performance, and the Italian said he did not need to tell the player, as the Englishman himself knew he had missed a glorious chance for his side.
“Cole Palmer is a top player, he belongs to that category. He want always to try and win games, be the best… he knows that probably in that moment he wasn’t helping with the chance he missed,” Maresca said his post match press conference as reported by Fabrizio Romano.
With the scoreline at 1-1, the former Manchester City man had a chance to restore his side’s lead on the night as he was played in behind by Moises Caicedo.
The England international latched onto the brilliant pass, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez lost his footing, momentarily presenting the forward with a gaping goal.
The player was unsure of what to do, taking too many touches before firing the ball into a covering defender.
Palmer has now failed to score or assist in each of his last six appearances for the club.
