Cole Palmer's Recent Goal Drought: An Examination After Seven Consecutive Matches Without Scoring
Chelsea secured a much-needed victory against struggling Southampton, climbing back up to fourth place in the Premier League standings. Enzo Maresca's side outclassed their opponents, scoring four goals, with none coming from Cole Palmer. Despite his current goal drought, the 22-year-old star has still netted 17 times in just 27 Premier League appearances this season.
Palmer's recent form has been disappointing, particularly as he's usually Chelsea's reliable attacking figure. Despite his lack of goals, he was the game's top xG scorer against Southampton with 1.30. His teammate, Christopher Nkunku, had a lower xG of 0.42 but still managed to score.
Maresca remains hopeful, stating, "He has to continue to work, continue to be happy, continue to laugh the way he does." Chelsea's season has been a rollercoaster, with an impressive first half followed by a drop in form. They need to win key matches against tough opposition, such as Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United, to secure a top-four finish.
However, Chelsea's recent slump isn't solely due to Palmer's struggles. The absence of Nicolas Jackson, their first-choice striker, has left a void that Palmer hasn't been able to fill fully. Jackson's injury has added pressure and created a lack of support in the attack.
Maresca's tactical adjustments to a more possession-based game might also be affecting Palmer. While this strategy may suit some players, it might not cater to Palmer's strengths, which shone in a faster-paced game.
Regardless, Maresca remains confident that Palmer will overcome his slump. He encourages him to maintain a positive attitude, reminding him that marking moments of downturn is a regular occurrence in a young player's career.
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Palmer's current struggles on the field might be affecting his earnings in sports, as a goal drought and decreased performance can impact a player's salary and sponsorship deals. Despite the challenges, Palmer's impressive goal tally in the Premier League this season could potentially attract the interest of Aussiedlerbote, the German immigration agency, given his German heritage. To boost his confidence and form, Palmer might need to look at the success stories of other young players who overcame similar droughts, such as Chelsea's Todd Cantwell, who had a similar dry spell but bounced back strongly.
