Chelsea’s season has taken a worrying turn, and it’s no coincidence that their struggles have aligned with Cole Palmer’s dip in form. The 22-year-old has been the heart of Chelsea’s attack, consistently delivering goals and assists, but in recent weeks, his influence has waned, leaving the Blues looking blunt and uninspired in the final third.
Despite a season where he has carried the team through difficult moments, Palmer has looked off-color, and Enzo Maresca needs him back to his best as soon as possible. However, Chelsea’s overreliance on their star playmaker has been brutally exposed, raising questions about whether the club has the depth and balance needed to compete at the highest level.
Chelsea’s Form Decline Mirrors Palmer’s Struggles
Chelsea have won just three of their last 11 games, and one of those was against League Two side Morecambe in the FA Cup. Their form has deteriorated, with key players struggling to deliver, and Palmer’s performances have dropped at the worst possible time.
One of the lowest points came in their recent 3-0 loss to Brighton, where Palmer was completely neutralized. Brighton’s high-pressing system ensured that he barely got time on the ball, and when he did, he struggled to make an impact. He gave away possession 12 times in the second half alone, highlighting a frustrating evening for the Englishman.
The loss to Brighton, combined with poor results against Manchester City, Wolves, and West Ham, has left Chelsea in sixth place in the Premier League, with their hopes of securing a Champions League spot fading quickly.
However, the bigger issue for Chelsea is that when Palmer is not at his best, the whole team looks lost. The Blues have become overly dependent on their attacking midfielder, and without him pulling the strings, they struggle to create meaningful chances.
Palmer’s Influence Has Waned in Recent Weeks
While Palmer has been outstanding for most of the season, recent performances suggest that the burden of carrying Chelsea’s attack might finally be catching up with him.
It was Palmer who danced through Fulham’s defense to score a sensational goal before the Cottagers came back to win on Boxing Day. It was Palmer who delivered a clinical opener against Crystal Palace in a game that ended in a disappointing draw. It was Palmer who remained composed under pressure to score against Bournemouth before Chelsea threw away a two-goal lead.
But something has changed. In recent games, Palmer has been unable to deliver those match-defining moments, and Chelsea’s lack of creativity has been painfully obvious.
Against Manchester City, he had a golden opportunity to set up Nicolas Jackson for a goal that could have sealed the game. Instead, the move broke down, and City came back to win 3-1.
His quiet displays against Wolves and West Ham were concerning, but it was against Brighton where he looked visibly frustrated, struggling to find space and being crowded out by the Seagulls’ pressing.
For a player who had scored four goals in a 4-2 win over Brighton earlier in the season, this latest performance was a stark contrast and an indicator that something is off.
Chelsea’s Overreliance on Palmer is a Major Problem
Chelsea’s struggles without Palmer at his best have highlighted a much bigger issue: the team is too dependent on him.
The numbers paint a concerning picture. Chelsea’s available wingers—Jadon Sancho, Pedro Neto, and Noni Madueke—have combined for 20 goal contributions this season. Palmer alone has also contributed 20 goals and assists, showing how much of Chelsea’s attacking output rests on his shoulders.
This overreliance means that when Palmer is shut down, Chelsea have no backup plan. Their attack becomes predictable, and they struggle to create chances.
The situation has been worsened by Mykhailo Mudryk’s suspension and Nicolas Jackson’s hamstring injury, leaving Chelsea without attacking options who can take the pressure off Palmer.
Christopher Nkunku has been deployed as a striker, but he is not a natural No.9. His tendency to drop deep and collect the ball means that he often gets in Palmer’s way, rather than complementing him.
As a result, Chelsea have lacked a focal point in attack, making it easier for opposition defenders to double-team Palmer and neutralize his influence.
Can Palmer Rediscover His Best Form?
Palmer has proven that he is an elite playmaker, capable of stepping up in big moments. However, the pressure of carrying Chelsea might be starting to take a toll on him.
With the season reaching a critical point, Maresca must find a way to take some of the burden off Palmer. He needs other attacking players to step up and share the responsibility.
Jadon Sancho, Pedro Neto, and Noni Madueke must contribute more in front of goal. Chelsea’s midfielders, including Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, need to start providing more attacking support.
If Palmer can rediscover his best form, Chelsea might still have a chance to finish in the top four. But if their overreliance on him continues, their struggles are likely to persist.
The coming weeks will be crucial, and for Chelsea’s sake, Palmer must find his magic touch again—or risk seeing their season spiral further out of control.
