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7 months ago
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Cole Palmer's importance to Chelsea has been stunningly highlighted after new stats revealed where the Blues would be in the Premier League table without their star player.
The 21-year-old England international is in the running for the English top-flight's player-of-the-season accolade after starring since making the summer switch to Stamford Bridge from Man City.
Palmer is currently level on 20 goals with former City team-mate Erling Haaland in the race for the Premier League's golden boot and is expected to make Gareth Southgate's upcoming England squad.
While it has been a stellar season for Palmer, it's been a largely difficult campaign for Chelsea and manager Mauricio Pochettino who is coming under increasing pressure.
Palmer's absence was massively felt as the Blues came unhinged in a dominant 5-0 defeat against arch rivals Arsenal on Tuesday as the Gunners moved top of the Premier League table.
Cole Palmer's importance to Chelsea has been stunningly highlighted after new stats show where the Blues would be in the Premier League table without him
Palmer is currently level on 20 goals with former City team-mate Erling Haaland in the race for the Premier League's golden boot
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino denied his team have been too reliant on Palmer this season
The Emirates visitors were outclassed by Mikel Arteta's title-chasing squad and struggled to create chances while Palmer was unavailable as he recovered from an illness.
His 17 assists in all competitions also make him Chelsea's most creative player this season with Palmer alone playing a part in 47.5 per cent of the club's Premier League goals this season.
In fact, Chelsea would find themselves stuck in 18th position in the league standings and facing relegation with just 27 points after 32 games.
Palmer's 17 assists in all competitions also make him Chelsea's most creative player this season
Pochettino stressed after losing against Arsenal that his team are not overly reliant on Palmer's talents but admitted not being able to select him is 'difficult'.
'I think we cannot say now that that was the reason [Arsenal beat Chelsea because of Palmer], because we lose the game, he told TNT Sports.
'But you lose a player that is a creative player that helped to link all the lines of the of the team.
'The most difficult scene is the circumstance that we are losing player and that is made the management very difficult,' he added.
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