Cole Palmer’s previously flawless penalty-taking record took an unexpected twist during Chelsea’s clash with Leicester City. At the tender age of 22, the young midfielder experienced his first professional penalty miss after 12 successful attempts, as Leicester’s goalkeeper, Mads Hermansen, denied him.
Heading into the game, Palmer was grappling with a dry spell, unable to find the back of the net in his last eight matches. The tension was palpable as Chelsea faced Leicester, a team battling to avoid relegation. So, when Jadon Sancho was fouled by Viktor Kristiansen partway through the first half, Palmer was presented with an ideal moment to rediscover his scoring touch.
Palmer’s cool demeanor under pressure is well-documented, with precision and panache being his hallmark. He’s even had the audacity to pull off Panenka-style penalties against Brighton and Tottenham earlier this season. However, this time, he decided to opt for a powerful strike, targeting the left-hand side of Hermansen.
In a testament to his skills, Hermansen made a remarkable save, diving decisively to his left and thwarting Palmer’s attempt. This miss was unlike the Chelsea star, and one could sense a dip in his confidence, which has been evident of late.
Former Chelsea shot-stopper Mark Schwarzer weighed in on the situation, observing that Palmer’s choice to emphasize power over precision might indicate a waning self-assurance. Schwarzer commended Hermansen’s agility and nerve, highlighting it as a remarkable feat against a normally dependable penalty taker.
Despite this setback, Palmer remains pivotal for Chelsea, having dazzled throughout the season. His knack for netting penalties has been a critical advantage for the Blues, and this slip-up against Leicester could well spur him to regain his scoring prowess.
Supporters will be keenly watching Palmer in the games to come to see how he handles this hiccup. Though missing from the spot can unsettle even the best, Palmer’s track record hints at a quick rebound.
With Chelsea marching forward in their season, Palmer will undoubtedly be anxious to put this behind him and resume his scoring streak. The fans, too, will hope this was merely a fleeting setback in an otherwise impressive season for the promising young midfielder.
