Is Cole Palmer as good as his stats indicate?

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Cole Palmer has been the revelation of the Premier League over the last two seasons. Following his £40 million transfer from Manchester City, Palmer has become one of the league’s top players.

Many critics have wondered just why Manchester City willingly allowed Palmer to leave the club–especially with the way the Cityzens have struggled this term.

Palmer is proof that Chelsea’s decision to spend heavily on young players was wise. However, it can certainly be argued that Palmer is one of a select few of the young big-money buys were worth the cash.

But one question stands out despite Palmer’s stats: Is Cole Palmer as good as his stats indicate?

Palmer has scored 11 league goals and added six assists in 15 matches in the Premier League. He is third in scoring this season behind Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah.

The attacking midfielder’s play has Chelsea in the title race for now. However, without the Englishman, Chelsea could fall away from the title fight. Without his 17 goal contributions, Chelsea would only have 18 goals scored.

Three of Palmer’s goals have come from penalties, meaning eight goals have come from open play. His three penalties is one behind Justin Kluivert and Salah’s four spot-kick goals in 2024-25.

Who have Palmer’s goals and assists come against?

This is where arguments can be made that Palmer doesn’t necessarily step up in big games. Although critics can say the same for Haaland.

Palmer’s season breaks down as:

• 1 goal, 3 assists vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers
• 1 assist vs. Crystal Palace
• 1 goal vs. West Ham
• 4 goals vs. Brighton
• 1 assist vs. Nottingham Forest
• 1 goal vs. Newcastle
• 1 goal, 1 assist vs. Aston Villa
• 1 goal vs. Southampton
• 2 goals vs. Tottenham Hotspur

Palmer has scored zero goals and zero assists against teams in the top four. Three of his goals have come against teams in the bottom six of the league. Six goals have come against teams in the bottom half of the table.

A deeper dive of Palmer against the current top four (excluding Chelsea), shows his lack of goals against the best defences.

The midfielder has never scored against Liverpool. One of his appearances against Liverpool came in last season’s EFL Cup final, which saw Liverpool win 1-0 in extra-time. Palmer was relatively non-existent, playing 120 minutes of the match.

In four appearances against Manchester City, he has one goal. It was a valuable goal in 2023-24, which saw Chelsea draw 4-4 with City.  In two appearances against Arsenal, Palmer has one goal.

So, is Palmer the real deal? He is having a brilliant season, but until the midfielder consistently performs against the top four teams, he won’t be the league’s best performer. Moreover, Chelsea will likely miss out on any league trophy.

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EPL

ЧелсиБрентфорд 15/12/2024 20:00

433126

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2.57

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