Former England goalkeeper David James has raised a surprising theory about Chelsea's recent dip in form, suggesting the return of star playmaker Cole Palmer may have "slightly upset" the squad's rhythm.
Chelsea's Momentum Stalls
The speculation comes after Chelsea dropped more Premier League points in a goalless draw away to Bournemouth on Saturday. This followed a shock 3-1 midweek defeat to relegation-threatened Leeds United, halting the momentum built during an encouraging run that included a draw with league leaders Arsenal.
Palmer, who has been one of the division's standout performers over the last two seasons, was introduced from the bench for 30 minutes at Elland Road before starting and playing 58 minutes in the stalemate on the south coast. The 23-year-old had been absent prior to this due to injury.
James's 'Mad Tangent' on Palmer
Analysing Chelsea's title credentials for Stadium Astro, James pointed to disciplinary issues as a major problem but then ventured his unexpected take on Palmer's reintegration.
"Chelsea proved the other night against Leeds that they are being hamstrung by the amount of bookings and red cards they're getting. They don't need that," James stated. "I don't know whether, just going off on a mad tangent here, the reintroduction of Cole Palmer into the squad has slightly upset things. But they should have beat Arsenal and may have done if it wasn't for those disciplinary issues."
His comments imply that a Chelsea side which had begun to adapt to playing without the England international might now be readjusting, impacting their fluidity.
Post-Match Reaction from the Camp
Chelsea's players and manager struck a more pragmatic note after the Bournemouth game. Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez told Premier League Productions the team wanted redemption after the Leeds loss.
"I think we played well. We kept a clean sheet and didn't lose the game," Sanchez said. "We take the point and go into the next game needing three points."
Boss Enzo Maresca, speaking to BBC Sport, identified a lack of cutting edge as the issue. "I think we lacked a bit of quality in the last third, the last pass and the last shoot," he admitted. "When you are not able to win it is important that you don't lose so we will take the point."
On Palmer's individual performance, Maresca added: "He was good. After a long time, he played for some minutes and now he needs to build his physical condition."
The result leaves Chelsea fourth in the Premier League table. Their focus now shifts to the Champions League, where they face Atalanta on Tuesday, before a return to domestic action against Everton next weekend.
