Chelsea Clinches Narrow Victory Over Leicester City
Chelsea 1-0 Leicester (Cucurella 60’)
STAMFORD BRIDGE — As Cole Palmer glanced at the substitutes’ board displaying his number, he couldn’t help but lower his gaze, as if the pitch itself held some mesmerizing quality. While Wesley Fofana engaged with the fans, Palmer meticulously scrutinized each blade of grass beneath his feet, perhaps hoping for a moment of clarity after a frustrating 73 minutes of lackluster performance. He exchanged a half-hearted hug with Enzo Fernandez, more out of obligation than affection, before trudging down the tunnel, eager to escape the scrutiny.
Chelsea had taken the lead, a goal that felt secure mainly because Leicester City struggled to mount any threatening offense rather than showcasing any defensive prowess. After an hour filled with misplaced passes and aimless attacks that often resulted in retreating backward, Marc Cucurella finally broke the deadlock with a stunning strike from 25 yards, sending the ball past Mads Hermansen.
Leicester City, under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, increasingly resorted to long-range shots—a tactic that proved effective for Reece James in their previous match against Copenhagen. This reliance highlighted both the individual talent within the squad and their ongoing struggle to cohesively develop a functioning attack capable of dismantling well-organized defenses. It’s clear that this approach is not a sustainable long-term strategy.
Cucurella’s low shot offered a sigh of relief, especially after Palmer’s earlier miss from the penalty spot, marking his first failure in 12 attempts—the longest perfect record in Premier League history. Hermansen made a commendable save to his left, but Palmer’s demeanor suggested a nonchalance that bordered on indifference as the penalty slipped away from him.
After missing the penalty, Palmer bit his lip and jogged to the corner to take the ensuing kick. Within a minute, he found himself retreating to the halfway line, delivering a beautifully weighted ball to Christopher Nkunku, who unfortunately failed to seize the moment. This encapsulated Palmer’s frustrating afternoon—he wasn’t at his best but was also let down by his teammates. In the opening 10 minutes, he had the potential to earn a penalty, deflected a shot past Hermansen, and sent another effort soaring into the stands. His eagerness seemed to hinder his usual finesse, as he struggled to regain his confidence.
Maresca revealed in the post-match interview that the 22-year-old had been ill for two days prior to the match, which only amplifies his commitment to the team. However, this will undoubtedly frustrate Palmer as he watches his teammates play in a disjointed manner. Pedro Neto, nominally a striker during the match, failed to register a single shot on goal. Between December and February, Palmer had created more chances than any player in Europe’s top five leagues, yet his teammates could not convert them. He has also crafted 19 significant chances in the Premier League, placing him second only to Mohamed Salah, but has managed to provide just six assists in the league.
Last season, this type of game would have suited Palmer perfectly—showcasing his striking flair and lethal instinct. In five matches against promoted clubs last year, he either scored or assisted in 11 of Chelsea’s 13 goals. While this reliance on his brilliance was evident, he relished the adulation and recognition, transitioning from a promising talent to a key figure in a club yearning for its next superstar. This season, however, has seen Palmer’s form dip significantly; he has not scored or assisted in his last nine appearances. Much of the talk surrounding him in 2024 focused on his ability to endure the pressures of high expectations, but now it appears those expectations are weighing heavily on him.
At times, he wears the expression of a beleaguered parent struggling to manage unruly children. Ultimately, he seems fatigued from the burden of carrying Chelsea with his remarkable talent, often facing double-marking due to his undeniable threat. A player reliant on creativity and inspiration now appears drained. For Chelsea, the short-term implications of this decline are concerning, but the long-term consequences could be dire. Unless they provide him with a supporting cast of equals, or at least players who can function alongside him, this could mark the beginning of a turbulent period leading to an eventual departure. Despite Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali’s hopes, an eight-year contract will not stop someone who feels disillusioned and unmotivated to stay.