Cole Palmer Admits Chelsea’s Youthful Side Creates Its Problems

Cole Palmer said the fact Chelsea are a young side posed particular problems for the Blues as they looked to break into the Premier League’s top four.

Chelsea’s starting lineup in Sunday’s 2-1 victory against Newcastle boasted an average age of only 23 years and 89 days.

Despite their youth, Enzo Maresca’s squad demonstrated impressive composure, securing a win that brought them within two points of fourth-placed Aston Villa.

Palmer scored the winner in the second half his 19th goal in 15 league games at Stamford Bridge.

“I feel like we’ve got to show personality because we’re so young,” said Palmer. “The manager said at half-time we needed to fight for the game because (Newcastle) are a physical team. To get three points felt big.

“We knew towards the end it would be a tough game; they’re a big team, so we knew it was going to be hard. To get a lead (in the second half) was important.”

Palmer also played a key role in Nicolas Jackson’s 18th-minute opener, scooping a brilliant ball out from deep in his half that was taken on by Pedro Neto, who crossed for the Senegal international to get his sixth of the season.

“When I got on the angle, I had a quick look to my left, and I’ve seen him (so) I thought I’d try it,” said Palmer. “Before getting the ball I try to know what I’m going to do.”

After the match, Blues manager Maresca drew comparisons between Palmer and former Chelsea favorite Gianfranco Zola, who was present at Stamford Bridge.

The England midfielder showcased flashes of Zola’s brilliance as he charged at Newcastle’s defense and fired a powerful shot past Nick Pope’s near post from the edge of the box.

But a modest Palmer said, “I’m just trying to enjoy my football and not put too much pressure on myself to score or assist.”