Cole Palmer’s penalty prowess in the Premier League was nothing short of impeccable—until now. The Chelsea playmaker, who had maintained a flawless record from the spot, saw his perfect run come to an end during Sunday’s clash against Leicester City. Palmer’s 13th attempt from 12 yards proved unlucky as Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen denied him with a comfortable save, marking the first time the English midfielder had failed to convert in the league.
Despite Chelsea securing a 1-0 victory thanks to Marc Cucurella’s stunning long-range strike, the moment Palmer’s streak ended became one of the biggest talking points from the match.
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Palmer’s Perfect Penalty Record Ends As He Fights Illness to Feature in Crucial Tie
Palmer’s inclusion in the starting lineup was already in doubt leading up to the game. The 21-year-old had missed training due to illness, suffering from fever and diarrhoea in the 48 hours preceding the fixture. However, determined to contribute to Chelsea’s push for a Champions League spot, he insisted on playing.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca later revealed the extent of Palmer’s struggles before the match: “It’s very easy: Cole didn’t train yesterday and during the night he didn’t feel well. This morning, he woke up and he asked me, ‘I want to be on the pitch because I want to help this team, this club to play Champions League.’ This shows how these players want to bring the club where it belongs to.”
Penalty Miss Signals Dip in Form?
Before Sunday’s match, Palmer had converted all 12 of his Premier League penalties, surpassing Yaya Touré’s record for most successful spot-kicks without a miss. His ability to vary his technique made him a formidable presence from the spot, with his left-footed strikes often placed across the goalkeeper’s body.
However, against Leicester, Hermansen appeared well-prepared. The Danish shot-stopper read Palmer’s intent and reacted swiftly to make the save, despite the ball being directed towards the corner. The miss added to concerns over Palmer’s form, as he had also failed to score in Chelsea’s previous eight matches.
Former Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, highlighted the potential psychological aspect of the miss: “Cole Palmer’s penalty wasn’t one from someone with a lot of confidence. He went for power over real placement, and the goalkeeper does so, so well. It wasn’t his best penalty.”
Palmer’s struggles were further evident in Chelsea’s recent 4-0 win over Southampton, where he squandered multiple scoring opportunities. His influence in front of goal has waned in 2024, despite a sensational previous year in which he registered 26 goals and 13 assists—more than any other player in the Premier League during that period.
Disrupted Penalty Routine and a Frustrating Evening
A two-minute, 24-second delay before Palmer took his penalty may have played a role in his miss. As players from both teams engaged in a dispute on the edge of the box, referee Tim Robinson further added to the delay by asking the Chelsea forward to reposition the ball before striking it.
While Palmer’s failure from the spot ultimately did not cost Chelsea the game, it compounded a frustrating outing for the young midfielder. His performance was far from his usual high standards, leading to his substitution in the 73rd minute—one of the earliest he has been withdrawn in a match since joining the club.
With Chelsea still in the race for a Champions League berth, Palmer will need to shake off his recent struggles and rediscover the form that made him one of the league’s most effective attackers in 2023. While his penalty miss against Leicester may serve as a minor setback, his determination to play through illness suggests he has the mentality to bounce back quickly.
Maresca and Chelsea fans will hope this dip is temporary, and that Palmer’s next spot-kick sees him return to his usual clinical self.
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FAQs
Why did Cole Palmer miss his penalty against Leicester City?
Palmer’s penalty was saved by Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, marking his first miss in the Premier League after 12 successful attempts.
What was Cole Palmer’s Premier League penalty record before the Leicester game?
Before facing Leicester, Palmer had converted all 12 of his Premier League penalties, surpassing Yaya Touré’s perfect record.
Was Cole Palmer unwell before the match against Leicester?
Yes, Palmer had missed training due to fever and diarrhoea but insisted on playing to help Chelsea’s push for Champions League qualification.
How did Chelsea win despite Palmer’s penalty miss?
Chelsea secured a 1-0 victory over Leicester thanks to a long-range strike from Marc Cucurella in the 60th minute.
Has Cole Palmer’s form dipped in recent matches?
Yes, Palmer has struggled in recent games, failing to score in his last eight appearances and missing key chances, including a penalty against Leicester.
