- Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino was furious despite his team's emphatic 6-0 victory over Everton, thanks to a bizarre penalty incident.
- Pochettino was scathing in his criticism of the behavior.
- Pochettino reiterated that Palmer is the designated penalty taker.
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino was furious despite his team’s emphatic 6-0 victory over Everton, thanks to a bizarre penalty incident.
The controversy arose when Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke argued over who would take a spot-kick awarded to Chelsea. This held up the game for a full minute and involved several players before designated penalty taker Cole Palmer eventually converted the penalty.
Pochettino was scathing in his criticism of the behavior. “This kind of behavior is unacceptable,” he declared. “We need to act as a team, and this is the last time I want to see anything like this.”
He emphasized the importance of collective thinking, stating, “If we have aspirations of being a great team, we need to change our mindset.”
The incident unfolded with a comical sequence. Initially, both Jackson and Madueke lunged for the ball, with Madueke winning the initial grab. After a tense exchange, Thiago Silva intervened, prompting Jackson to walk away.
However, the drama continued. Captain Conor Gallagher approached Madueke, indicating Palmer and requesting him to relinquish the ball. Madueke refused, leading to Gallagher taking matters into his own hands by grabbing the ball and handing it to Palmer.
Even then, the commotion wasn’t over. Jackson attempted to re-insert himself into the situation, requiring a final push from Gallagher to settle the dispute.
Pochettino reiterated that Palmer is the designated penalty taker. “There’s no question about it,” he asserted. “He’s the taker, and if he chooses to let someone else take it, that’s his decision. But this kind of public argument is unacceptable.”
The manager acknowledged the learning curve for his young team. “It’s a shame, but it’s a learning experience,” he said. “I have to apologize to the fans who witnessed this after a commanding 4-0 lead. We need to be professional and act like a team. This incident highlights areas where we need to improve.”
Palmer’s successful conversion marked his ninth penalty success in the Premier League. Notably, only Yaya Toure boasts a perfect 100% record from 11 penalties in Premier League history.
The incident adds a sour note to Chelsea’s dominant win, highlighting the need for improved discipline and a focus on collective responsibility.
