Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer escaped a potential second yellow card during his team’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton, with former players Joe Cole and Steve McManaman defending his late challenge on defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

According to Football London on Sunday, October 18, 2026, Palmer risked being sent off after making a late tackle on Branthwaite near the corner flag at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Chelsea recorded their second consecutive victory under manager Xabi Alonso, thanks to Pedro Neto’s brace. The win also marked the Blues’ first Premier League clean sheet since January and ended their disappointing run of away results against Everton.

However, Palmer’s challenge became a major talking point because he had already received a yellow card in the 65th minute for protesting to referee Paul Tierney following a foul against Moises Caicedo.

Everton fans demanded a second booking after Branthwaite went down following the challenge. However, Tierney decided against showing Palmer another yellow card, allowing him to continue playing.

Speaking on Premier League Productions, McManaman said Palmer was likely relieved by the referee’s decision, adding that some officials might have sent him off in similar circumstances.

He argued that there was little contact between the players and suggested Branthwaite had gone to ground too easily. Nevertheless, he admitted that Palmer should have been more careful after receiving his first booking.

Joe Cole also supported the Chelsea midfielder, insisting that the challenge was not deliberate or malicious. He praised Palmer for showing greater maturity and improving his contribution when Chelsea do not have possession.

Cole further explained that Palmer appeared to be recognising his importance to the team and becoming more conscious of the responsibilities that come with being one of Chelsea’s leading players.

Meanwhile, Palmer could be rested when Chelsea take on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, as Alonso considers rotating his squad for the midweek encounter.