“Because Cole Palmer was being man-marked has made our attacking players less effective. That is the reason the goals are reduced and why we almost lost to Arsenal. The manager has to find a way to manage this issue” – Frank Lampard suggests that opposing teams targeting Cole Palmer during matches have rendered the other crucial players less effective on the field.

A football analyst recently highlighted how closely marking Cole Palmer limits another key Chelsea player’s performance, emphasizing a ripple effect when Palmer’s game is restricted.

Since moving to Chelsea from Manchester City last season, Palmer quickly impressed fans and silenced initial skepticism over his signing. Despite early doubts—some wondering why he hadn’t broken through under City’s manager Pep Guardiola—Palmer became a pivotal figure in Chelsea’s attacking setup, consistently creating scoring chances.

However, with opponents now recognizing Palmer’s importance, they have adapted by assigning close marking to contain his influence. This tactic not only restricts Palmer’s creativity on the field but also indirectly weakens Nicolas Jackson’s impact. Jackson, known for his speed and sharp positioning, relies on Palmer’s passes to make the most of his abilities. When Palmer is closely marked, Jackson receives fewer opportunities to show his dynamic runs and capitalize on his pace.

Robbie Earle, a former player and commentator, recently analyzed this trend, noting that shutting down Palmer disrupts Jackson’s game. Without Palmer’s playmaking, Jackson loses the vital vertical passes that typically highlight his strengths.