In the wake of an undefeated March campaign, Chelsea Football Club has solidified its status as a formidable force on home turf, extending their remarkable streak to 23 years with an unscathed run spanning 39 Premier League fixtures, boasting 32 wins and 7 draws. Despite emerging unscathed from all four encounters, questions linger over the Blues' performances, leaving many to ponder why they failed to clinch victory in each instance.
As April dawns, comparisons between Chelsea's current season and its predecessor have emerged. At the same juncture last season, the Blues amassed 39 points after 28 matches. Fast forward to the present campaign, and CFC stands slightly improved with 40 points after the same number of fixtures. Nevertheless, concerns arise as the club has now conceded a staggering 47 goals in the Premier League, mirroring the total tally from the entirety of the previous season.
Consistency, or the lack thereof, has been the recurring narrative for the Blues over the past eight months. The squad's performance oscillates between brilliance and mediocrity, rendering an accurate assessment of the team's progress a challenging task. However, amidst this fluctuating landscape, one figure has remained a beacon of reliability – Cole Palmer. With an impressive haul of four goals and three assists in March alone, the 21-year-old midfielder has undoubtedly earned the distinction of being named Pride of London's Chelsea Player of the Month.
Palmer's pivotal contributions were instrumental in guiding Chelsea through a demanding fixture list. From providing the crucial assist in the 2-2 draw against Brentford to delivering standout performances in victories against Newcastle United and Leicester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals, Palmer consistently led the charge for his side. His highlight reel includes a sublime backheel assist for Carney Chukwuemeka in the FA Cup and a brace against Burnley, showcasing his prowess on the field.
"From day one he has taken responsibility. When the team struggle to find solutions, they give the ball to him."Mauricio Pochettino
The significance of Palmer's achievements in March cannot be overstated. He joins an elite cadre of players in Chelsea's history by registering 20+ Premier League goal contributions in his debut season. Notably, he follows in the footsteps of Eden Hazard as the first player since the Belgian maestro to score in five consecutive home matches. Palmer's stellar performances position him as a linchpin in Mauricio Pochettino's tactical arsenal, as the west Londoners seek to ascend the league table and secure a berth in the FA Cup final.
In Cole Palmer, Chelsea boasts a prodigious talent whose exploits on the pitch evoke anticipation and excitement among fans and pundits alike. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the young Englishman to lead CFC to further glory on the domestic front.