Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea fought out a hard-earned 1-1 draw against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, but Glenn Hoddle voiced concern over the manager’s tactical choices, suggesting they may have stifled Chelsea’s creative playmaker, Cole Palmer.
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Chelsea, still seeking their first Premier League victory over Arsenal since 2021, initially trailed after Gabriel Martinelli’s second-half goal. However, Pedro Neto responded with a spectacular long-range strike to level the score in a tightly contested London derby.
In a game where neither side managed their best attacking flow, Palmer particularly struggled to make an impact for Chelsea. The 22-year-old had only completed two training sessions after a knock against Manchester United the previous weekend, and while his fitness may have played a role, Hoddle argued that Maresca’s tactical approach also contributed to his limited influence.
According to Hoddle, the Chelsea setup—aimed at neutralizing Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka on the left flank with Marc Cucurella—left Palmer isolated from key attacking areas. Speaking on Stadium Astro, Hoddle remarked, “Cucurella did his job stopping Saka, which earned him player of the match, but it also meant Palmer didn’t get much time on the ball in midfield.”
Hoddle further explained that Chelsea’s use of Malo Gusto as an inside midfielder limited Palmer’s ability to roam across the field. “Gusto was in that inside left channel, which held Palmer back. He didn’t get to play as a true number 10, which could have made a real difference in Chelsea’s attack,” Hoddle added.
Maresca defended his decision to start Palmer despite his recent injury, maintaining that it was not a risky call. “He was a doubt, but we didn’t take any risks,” Maresca said post-match. The Chelsea manager noted that after an effective start, Arsenal’s Thomas Partey began marking Palmer closely, making it challenging for him to find space.
Palmer’s performance and fitness now cast doubt over his availability for England’s upcoming international games, with Three Lions interim manager Lee Carsley also dealing with recent injuries to Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Anthony Gordon.
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