Cole Palmer’s woes have continued in Chelsea’s 3-0 victory over Legia Warsaw, as fans expressed their anger at the midfielder after yet more poor showing. Hooked at the break after a tepid 45 minutes, Palmer’s evening was cut short. Noni Madueke came on for him, and the winger’s introduction paid immediate dividends as he scored twice in an explosive second-half display.
Palmer failed to provide any attacking spark, with 13 turnovers and just 79% of his passes completed. He could not manage a single shot on target, lost four duels, and appeared low on confidence. When he tried to drive forward with the ball, he repeatedly ran into a wall.
Now, without a goal since January, the pressure on the 22-year-old to find a way to step up is growing. Fans were quick to point out the decline in form, particularly in light of how free-flowing Chelsea appeared when they switched things up at halftime. They shared posts on social media like these:
Chelsea started playing well immediately Palmer got hooked. 😭
— 𝐌 (@MooreRMFC) April 10, 2025
I’m sorry but Palmer gets superstar praise but no superstar criticism
— + (@TheOnlySKB) April 10, 2025
Palmer hooked? No one will speak about it btw pic.twitter.com/DM7bpsQs7D
— Daniel🇳🇬🇳🇬 (@danielogoun7) April 10, 2025
Palmer highlights in Conference League pic.twitter.com/cGIu7GR4QD
— Joe (@JoeAfc3) April 10, 2025
Palmer off we score 3. How about just hold the player accountable? https://t.co/6QoKLg5NVe
— Zino #SurvivingChelsea2025 🕊️ (@CFCNoni) April 10, 2025
Although he is a regular under Enzo Maresca, Palmer now comes under scrutiny as the Blues continue to press further into European competition. With the second leg on the horizon (April 17 at Stamford Bridge), he will need to rediscover his early-season form to maintain his place in the side.
Chelsea Seize Control of Conference League Tie With Dominant Win in Warsaw
Chelsea turned on the style in the second half as they swept past Legia Warsaw in the first leg of their Europa Conference League quarter-final. The 3-0 win leaves the Blues well-positioned ahead of the second leg at Stamford Bridge next week.
It was a relatively quiet first half, but manager Enzo Maresca made a change at the break, sending on Noni Madueke for Cole Palmer. The stalemate was shattered four minutes after the interval (49′) when teenager Tyrique George scored his first senior goal for the club.
Chelsea doubled their advantage in the 57th minute. This one came when Jadon Sancho pounced on a poor Tobiasz clearance, before toggling in Madueke to finish with aplomb.
Christopher Nkunku failed to convert a penalty to triple the lead, but the third goal followed immediately. Sancho was provider again, laying the ball back for Madueke to tap in the final goal of the night.
