Cole Palmer has not registered a Premier League assist since December and is on his longest goal drought (six league games) at Chelsea, but his underlying numbers suggest a lack of finishing from teammates rather than a complete drop in form.
While Palmer’s six-game goal drought and 15-game assist drought are concerning, the underlying statistics indicate he is still creating chances. His expected assists (xA) since December is 3.3, meaning he’s been generating opportunities that teammates haven’t converted. His recent missed chance against Aston Villa, where he stumbled and had a shot cleared off the line, was more a case of bad luck than a major slump.
Palmer’s frustration on the pitch is growing, seen in his visible annoyance at Christopher Nkunku during the Villa game. While he remains one of Chelsea’s best players, his dip in confidence coincides with the team’s poor form (three wins in 12 games across all competitions).
This is likely just a temporary blip rather than a crisis. Palmer remains Chelsea’s most creative player, but the team’s overall struggles have compounded his frustration. A return to form is crucial if Chelsea hope to turn their season around.
