Cole Palmer is facing his biggest challenge since joining Chelsea, going through his longest spell without scoring in blue. However, Enzo Maresca remains confident that this period will only make him stronger as Chelsea look to find ways to support their star player.
Palmer’s recent form in front of goal has been unusual for a player who has orchestrated so much brilliance over the past 18 months. Against Southampton, he had seven shots, two big chances missed, and a 1.30 xG—yet failed to find the back of the net. After blasting one effort over the bar, he even allowed himself a small grin, as if acknowledging the bizarre nature of his dry spell.
For a player who has carried much of Chelsea’s attacking responsibility this season, it’s a rare moment of vulnerability. His seven-game goal drought is the longest since his arrival, and his frustration has been visible on the pitch.
Despite Palmer's struggles, Maresca is standing by him, urging him to "continue to be happy, continue to laugh." The Chelsea boss believes this is just a natural slump that all top players experience. “It’s normal to go through a moment where you struggle to score, but it doesn’t matter. Just continue and you are going to score many goals,” he reassured.
Maresca’s approach suggests he won’t be making drastic tactical changes to accommodate Palmer’s form. Instead, the focus is on ensuring that other players contribute more in attack, as seen in the Southampton game, where Pedro Neto, Christopher Nkunku, and Marc Cucurella stepped up to score.
