A key element connecting Chelsea’s ascent in the title race with Manchester City’s struggles is Cole Palmer.

The aging Manchester City squad is in dire need of a top-quality young player to refresh their game.

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The player that City ought to have retained is Cole Palmer.

On the other hand, Chelsea has transitioned from a disorganized outfit to one urgently needing a figure to unify the squad.

That unifying figure is Cole Palmer.

Pep Guardiola’s choice to allow Palmer to depart for Chelsea seemed questionable even last season when City captured their fourth consecutive title while the young Mancunian excelled in a struggling Chelsea side.

Now, as Palmer establishes himself as an essential contributor in a rejuvenated Chelsea team, while City has stumbled, managing to win only one of their last nine matches, this decision appears costly.

It’s important to recognize that the absence of Rodri due to injury has affected City. Still, their steep decline cannot be solely attributed to the absence of the Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder.

This week, executives at Etihad celebrated the tenth anniversary of their City Football Academy, which asserts to have “produced 40 players for the men’s senior team and generated fees of up to £300 million.”

They also stressed that “seven Premier League clubs and 12 Championship teams presently feature a player developed at the CFA.”

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Football Free Bets and Sign Up Deals

This is admirable, but it’s disconcerting to note that alongside Phil Foden, Palmer represents one of the few world-class talents nurtured at the CFA, and he’s now flourishing at a club currently ahead of City in the standings.

Acquired for an initial fee of £40 million, which now appears remarkably practical.

Such oversights are not uncommon in football, but they are generally associated with Chelsea rather than Guardiola’s teams.

Looking at Chelsea’s leading rivals brings to attention Kevin De Bruyne, who was sold by Chelsea at 22 and has since been a standout for City across multiple seasons.

You will also encounter Mo Salah, who was acquired by Liverpool after Chelsea let him go at 23, and who has long been their key player.

Furthermore, Declan Rice, who Chelsea overlooked at 14, is now an integral part of Arsenal after a £105 million transfer.

During Jose Mourinho’s era at Chelsea, he did not underestimate De Bruyne or Salah; rather, he believed they were not ready for his first team and did not view them as future stars.

In a similar vein, City misjudged Palmer, whom I felt deserved the Footballer of the Year award over City’s Foden, who won simply because it’s often seen as more prestigious to excel in a powerful team than to be exceptional in a struggling one.

Guardiola had a high regard for Palmer, keeping him close as other City prospects were loaned out, ensuring he earned first-team opportunities and developing patience akin to Foden’s journey.

However, by last summer, Palmer was 21 and ready to emerge as a significant talent within the Premier League.

Guardiola had promised him increased game time, and expectations soared after Palmer impressed with a stunning goal at Wembley during the Community Shield against Arsenal, along with another goal in the UEFA Super Cup against Sevilla.

Yet shortly thereafter, City opted to invest £55.5 million in Jeremy Doku, who, while not a direct replacement for Palmer, was yet another promising player of the same age that they valued more highly financially.

This acquisition shocked Palmer and his representatives, marking the pivotal moment that led to his departure.

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While Guardiola preferred to retain him, he recognized that forcing a player to stay when they desire to leave is impractical, especially since Palmer came to realize that his chances in City’s first team were still likely to be limited last season.

Additionally, the acquisition of Doku meant City had to adhere to stringent Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules.

Doku is a decent addition—an exciting winger who has potential for growth—but at present, he lacks consistent finishing and often finds himself among the substitutes.

He cannot be compared to Palmer, who not only scored two penalties but also provided a superb assist that propelled Chelsea to an important comeback win against Spurs, bringing them closer to league leaders Liverpool.

Following that 4-3 victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca—who previously coached Palmer in City’s academy—praised his star player.

Notably, Maresca revealed that Palmer, who has scored all 12 penalties he’s taken in the Premier League, does not actually practice them.

This notion of not rehearsing penalties is quite astonishing in the modern game.
Previously, England’s issues in shootouts were attributed to a lack of penalty preparation. However, under Gareth Southgate, they commenced rigorous training, leading to successful shootouts.

According to Maresca, however, Palmer is “not normal.” His skill and composure transcend the typical player.
Most athletes dedicate time to refine their skills; even those with exceptional talent engage in practice to amplify their capabilities.

The truly elite, those endowed with remarkable talent and improvisational brilliance, exist in a league of their own.

Interestingly, Guardiola—a recognized expert—failed to grasp the brilliance that Palmer embodied during his time at City.
That distinction defines the divide between Manchester City and Chelsea.

Ashworth’s painful exit

MANY successful entrepreneurs have dived into football only to falter, yet Sir Jim Ratcliffe is elevating this to extraordinary heights.

As England’s most accomplished businessman, Ratcliffe has stepped into Manchester United—England’s premier football club—and in less than a year, he has notably mismanaged the scenario.

The summertime decision to extend Erik ten Hag‘s contract and grant him considerable influence over transfer matters, only to relieve him after just nine games this season, constitutes a notable embarrassment.

Now, the departure of Dan Ashworth—the internationally respected sporting director enticed from wealthy Newcastle United just six months into his role—is particularly painful.

Ashworth boasts an outstanding record of effectively appointing managers, including Gareth Southgate with England, Graham Potter at Brighton, and Eddie Howe at Newcastle.

Nonetheless, Ratcliffe seemingly overlooked Ashworth’s advice when deciding on Ruben Amorim.

Whether Amorim can achieve success remains uncertain.

Ratcliffe’s miscalculations regarding Ten Hag and Ashworth have reportedly cost United approximately £25 million.

The billionaire head of Ineos is now attempting to recoup some losses by charging fans £66 to watch United play and laying off numerous dedicated club staff.

Ah, the essence of capitalism in action!

The ‘Smallest’ clubs outperforming the bigger ones

THIS summer, Bournemouth traded their star player, Dominic Solanke. Brentford released their leading scorer, Ivan Toney. Simultaneously, Fulham profited from their top player, Joao Palhinha.

Despite these departures, all three clubs—arguably the youngest in the Premier League—have flourished and currently find themselves in the top half of the standings, looking down at wealthier competitors.

Significant credit is due to managers Andoni Iraola, Thomas Frank, and Marco Silva.

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Chelsea’s new strategy with Chesterfield

FOOTBALL clubs do not necessarily require costly PR consultants.

Winning matches often leads to favorable publicity; conversely, losing tends to attract negative attention.

Nonetheless, Chelsea appears ready to recruit a well-known public relations specialist, Nerissa Chesterfield, who previously handled communications during Rishi Sunak’s tenure. And we are all aware of how that unfolded.

Perhaps she can assist in managing Chelsea’s ongoing ‘bomb squad’ dismissals. To Rwanda, perhaps?

Maximizing set-piece plays

LET’S not criticize Arsenal for relying on set-piece goals.

If it was acceptable for Stoke City, there should be no outrage from detractors in Stoke Newington.

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