'Playing like Werner & Havertz' - Cole Palmer SLAMMED by Chelsea fans for Middlesbrough misses

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 9 Jan 2024 21:19 GMT
• 5 min read

Cole Palmer has been slammed for his first-half performance in Chelsea’s Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg against Middlesbrough.

The England international started the match as Chelsea’s centre-forward as Mauricio Pochettino experimented with a slightly different system at the Riverside Stadium.

Palmer started through the middle instead of Armando Broja, with Nicolas Jackson absent due to his participation at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

France star Christopher Nkunku was also unavailable for selection after picking up another injury.

As a result, Pochettino opted to start Palmer as Chelsea’s main striker - with Noni Madueke and Raheem Sterling playing off either flank.

However, the decision backfired massively during the first 45 minutes as Palmer suffered the same fate as many recent Chelsea strikers.

The Englishman missed several guilt-edged chances, including the most notable one in first-half stoppage time.

After an Enzo Fernandez shot was parried away by Boro ‘keeper Tom Glover, Palmer was on hand inside the six-yard box, but he blazed a side-footed effort over the bar to ensure Chelsea went into half-time 1-0 down after a Hayden Hackney goal for Michael Carrick’s side.

Palmer had also missed several opportunities before that incident, with the former Manchester City attacker racking up four shots in the first-half. His tally of three big chances missed is one that Chelsea fans will recognise following their struggles in front of goal so far this campaign.

WATCH: Cole Palmer’s incredible Chelsea misses

What have Chelsea fans said about Cole Palmer?