Mauricio Pochettino singles out ‘unbelievable player’ for praise after Chelsea ‘lost two points’ vs Arsenal

Mauricio Pochettino expressed his admiration for Cole Palmer’s remarkable display, hailing him as an extraordinary talent during the enthralling 2-2 draw between Chelsea and their London rivals, Arsenal.

Although deployed in an unfamiliar role, Palmer predominantly operated in the No. 9 position and delivered a performance that exceeded expectations, finding the back of the net for the second time in the Premier League while representing Chelsea.

Palmer’s inclusion on the field instills a sense of composure in possession, as his adeptness at holding up play allows his teammates to settle into their respective positions and execute a free-flowing style of football.

Chelsea star Cole Palmer was on the scoresheet against Arsenal. (Getty Images)

It is truly impressive to witness the maturity and composure that Cole Palmer demonstrates on the field, especially considering his young age. Chelsea’s decision to acquire him from Manchester City has proven to be a fruitful investment, and there is no doubt that his skills will continue to develop and flourish.

Mauricio Pochettino may have taken note of how William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes effectively handled Erling Haaland in Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Manchester City. This observation possibly influenced his strategic decision to utilize Palmer and Raheem Sterling as makeshift center-forwards, presenting Arsenal with a different challenge. Surprisingly, this tactical maneuver proved successful.

Pochettino expressed his contentment with Palmer’s performance and provided his candid assessment during an interview with BBC MOTD. He remarked, “I believe we dropped two points. Cole Palmer is an exceptional player. Despite his young age, he possesses a remarkable eagerness to learn. His strong character was evident throughout the match.

Mauricio Pochettino says Palmer is an unbelievable player. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Palmer delivered a truly magnificent performance, showcasing his commanding presence in the attacking phase of the game. He earned a well-deserved goal by confidently converting a penalty kick. It’s worth noting that taking a penalty in a high-intensity match requires nerves of steel, but the 21-year-old displayed exceptional composure throughout the process

Additionally, when an errant pass from David Raya found its way to Palmer, he had an opportunity to score once again. However, he hesitated momentarily, allowing Raya to swiftly intervene and snatch the ball away from him. Although he missed out on a potential goal in that instance, it does not diminish the outstanding level of play demonstrated by Palmer throughout the match.