Mauricio Pochettino FUMES at Chelsea duo for trying to take penalty off Cole Palmer and warns they will be 'out' if they do it again as embarrassing on-field row overshadows 6-0 thrashing of Everton

 

Cole Palmer destroyed Everton with a four-goal haul that reignited Chelsea's push for a European place, but his manager Mauricio Pochettino said this sensational victory was marred by the sight of his players fighting over who got to take a penalty kick.

Everton endured a highly embarrassing evening as Palmer netted a perfect hat-trick in the space of 16 minutes. He later added his fourth from a spot-kick, though only after a remarkable row ignited between Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke.

Palmer eventually pulled rank to leave himself tied with Manchester City's Erling Haaland on 20 goals at the top of the Premier League's scoring charts, with Jackson and academy starlet Alfie Gilchrist also getting on the scoresheet.

Palmer's comments suggest that Pochettino was quick to discuss the issue with his players after the game and nominate a designated penalty taker. Pochettino will surely have made it clear that Palmer is the team's first choice as he has been the standout player for the Blues this season and has now joined Erling Haaland at the top of the Premier League goalscoring charts with 20 goals.

Other players wanted to take it which was understandable, the game was 4-0. But I’m the penalty taker and I wanted to take it so I took it. But I think we are just trying to show that everyone wants to take responsibility and stuff like that. Maybe it was a bit of an over the top the argument, but everyone wants to win and help. But it was nothing major and we were laughing and joking about it. But the gaffer has told us now."

Palmer has converted all nine penalties he has taken in the Premier League with only Yaya Touré (11/11) posting a better 100% conversion rate from the spot in the competition's history.

Chelsea will be hoping Palmer can continue his incredible form next time out when he comes up against Manchester City in the semi-finals of the FA Cup at Wembley. The two teams meet on Saturday with the winners set to face Manchester United or Coventry City in the final.

Reporting By: Ajayi Oluwaseun Michael.