Chelsea produced one of their best nights under Mauricio Pochettino on Monday when they dispatched Everton for six.
Yes, on paper, they are playing a team that has been struggling all season long and is hovering above the Premier League’s relegation zone.
But Chelsea have proven for months and months now that these are the types of matches they drop points in and just put unnecessary pressure on themselves.
Cole Palmer helped himself to four goals, what would the European-chasing team do without him?
Probably sitting in the bottom half of the Premier League table, like they were last season.
You would think, after the win over Everton, the elation of such a thumping win, Palmer’s performance and closing in on Europe that they would be the headlines.
But clearly not! Thanks to two players – Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson – the talk after the 90 minutes was a lot more negative.
Their actions when Chelsea were awarded a penalty ‘made me sick’ Paul Merson told Soccer Special on Sky Sports (16/04/24 at 7:05 pm).
The former double-winner, who is a Chelsea fan, hated the actions of the two players as they made it about themselves rather than the team.
You can say they are young, but you are in front of the TV cameras, playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world.
And as Merson touched upon it, let’s see where they are if penalties are required for the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City on Saturday.
Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson penalty incident
“I don’t like that and never have,” said Merson. “You have a penalty-taker and he is your penalty-taker.
“Dele Alli was right in what he said ‘no-one was fighting over the ball against Man United with a minute to go’. It would be interesting at the weekend, if it gets to penalties, at least you have three penalty-takers.
“I couldn’t get it. I don’t like it. I think it’s selfish. I think it’s not a team. You are thinking of yourself. It’s easy to take a penalty at that score with four up with so long to go. Seriously!? It makes me sick! Unbelievable.”
Chelsea consistency
This is the time for these Chelsea players to showcase consistency and move forward under their manager.
Every time there is a defeat, it seems as though Pochettino is under pressure.
But the results are now picking up in the Premier League and it would be something incredible if they can book an FA Cup final ticket.
Yes, Chelsea won’t be playing Champions League football, but a return to Europe and an FA Cup trophy would be a huge step forward under this manager.
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