Chelsea’s recent 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Arsenal has brought into sharp focus the pivotal role played by Cole Palmer in the Blues’ fortunes this season. New statistics have revealed the stark reality of where Chelsea would find themselves in the Premier League table without the contributions of their star playmaker.

The 21-year-old England international has been a standout performer since his summer move to Stamford Bridge from Manchester City, garnering attention as a leading contender for the Premier League’s player-of-the-season award. Palmer’s impressive goal-scoring record, currently tied with Erling Haaland for the golden boot with 20 goals, underscores his impact on the pitch.

While Palmer has shone brightly, Chelsea’s overall campaign has been marred by inconsistency, placing manager Mauricio Pochettino under mounting pressure. The absence of Palmer was keenly felt as Chelsea suffered a humiliating defeat to Arsenal, with the Gunners surging to the top of the league table.

In Palmer’s absence due to illness, Chelsea struggled to create opportunities and were outclassed by Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing squad. Palmer’s absence highlighted his importance to the team, with his 17 assists across all competitions making him Chelsea’s most creative player this season. Astonishingly, Palmer has played a role in 47.5% of the club’s Premier League goals.

The statistics paint a revealing picture of Chelsea’s dependency on Palmer, as without his contributions, the Blues would languish in 18th position in the league standings, facing the specter of relegation with just 27 points from 32 games.

Pochettino, while acknowledging the team’s difficulty in coping without Palmer, emphasized that Chelsea’s defeat to Arsenal cannot be solely attributed to the playmaker’s absence. However, he conceded that Palmer’s creative influence and ability to link the team’s lines were sorely missed.

As Chelsea navigates the remainder of the season, the significance of Palmer’s presence on the field looms large, underscoring his indispensable role in the club’s pursuit of success.