Chelsea’s top-four hopes falter as fans and pundits question Palmer’s focus following a 3-1 loss to Manchester City.
Chelsea’s struggles in the Premier League continued with a 3-1 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad on Saturday, a result that saw the Blues slip to sixth in the table. The match marked another setback for a team that was unexpectedly in the title race just last month but has now managed only one win in their last seven league games.
Amid the disappointment, one moment drew the ire of fans and pundits alike: Cole Palmer, who joined Chelsea from Manchester City in 2023 for £40 million, was seen laughing and chatting with his former manager Pep Guardiola after the final whistle.
Manchester United legend and pundit Gary Neville criticized Palmer for what he described as a lack of awareness. Speaking on the Gary Neville Podcast, he said, “I want to say something about Cole Palmer. He was talking to Pep Guardiola on the pitch right at the end of the game and smiling with him. Pep does that—he plays you. Cole, you’re being played.”
Neville added, “Chelsea fans traveled in their thousands, and they don’t want to see you laughing and joking with the opposition manager after a loss like that. It’s not old school; it’s about respect for the fans and the moment. You didn’t do enough on the pitch in the second half, and I expected more from you.”
Palmer, 22, faced his former club for the fifth time since his transfer, but his performance left much to be desired in a second half where Chelsea failed to trouble City. The England international has been a standout performer in his second season at Stamford Bridge, scoring nearly as many goals for Chelsea as he managed appearances at Manchester City.
In his time at City, Palmer scored six goals in 41 matches, but he has already netted 39 times in 70 appearances for Chelsea, highlighting his growth as a player. Yet, moments like Saturday’s post-match interaction with Guardiola have drawn criticism, with many questioning his focus and understanding of the expectations placed on him by Chelsea fans.
Neville also touched on Guardiola’s role in the exchange, suggesting it was a deliberate move by the City manager to maintain psychological leverage over a former player. “I know why Pep does it—it’s classic Guardiola. But Cole needs to recognize the optics. It’s fine to have that conversation inside, away from the cameras, but not out there after a loss like that.”
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino, meanwhile, has yet to comment on the incident, as his focus likely remains on steadying the ship in what has become a turbulent campaign for the west London side. With the Blues’ top-four hopes hanging in the balance, Chelsea fans will expect more from both Palmer and the team in the weeks to come.
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