According to a report by Chelsea Chronicles on Wednesday November 12, 2026, Cole Palmer made an impressive start to the season with Chelsea, but his performances have gradually declined under manager Xabi Alonso, raising concerns about his current form and ability to rediscover his previous levels.

The England international scored two goals and provided an assist in his first two Premier League appearances. However, after ten matches, his overall statistics have dropped to three goals and three assists.

His disappointing display against Sunderland further increased concerns, as Palmer struggled to influence the game apart from an unsuccessful penalty appeal.

This has not been the only occasion this season when the attacking midfielder has failed to make a meaningful impact. Although Alonso continues to include him regularly in the starting line-up, some Chelsea supporters believe he should be dropped temporarily.

Palmer's remarkable first season at Stamford Bridge created extremely high expectations. During the 2023/24 Premier League campaign, he scored 22 goals and provided 11 assists in 33 appearances under former manager Mauricio Pochettino.

However, his output has declined in subsequent seasons. He recorded 15 goals and eight assists in 2024/25 despite making four more appearances.

His numbers dropped further the following campaign, when he managed just ten goals and one assist in 26 appearances, with injuries partly affecting his progress.

Although his current campaign represents an improvement on the previous season, his contributions remain well below the exceptional standards he established during his debut campaign at Chelsea.

Injuries have undoubtedly played a part in his struggles. Palmer previously dealt with a groin problem and admitted that it affected his ability to shoot. However, opposing defenders have also become more effective at limiting his influence.

Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca previously acknowledged that opponents frequently use man-marking tactics against Palmer, making it harder for the midfielder to find space and influence matches.

Another issue concerns Chelsea's attacking structure. Palmer performs best when playing alongside a striker capable of occupying defenders, creating space and making intelligent runs behind opposition defences.

Joao Pedro's injury has made the situation more difficult, leaving Chelsea without a consistent central attacking option who can complement Palmer's creativity.

The departure of Nicolas Jackson has also had an impact. During their time together, Palmer benefited from having a forward who constantly threatened defensive spaces, creating more opportunities for the pair to combine and produce attacking chances.

The importance of Jackson's presence is reflected in Palmer's statistics, with his goal contributions per 90 minutes significantly higher when the Senegalese striker played alongside him.

Although Palmer remains one of Chelsea's most gifted players, his reduced influence has become a growing concern. Alonso will need to find a suitable attacking partner for the midfielder if he is to help him regain his confidence and effectiveness in the final third.