Cole Palmer endured another frustrating afternoon as he struggled in Chelsea's narrow 1-0 win over Everton, extending his goal drought to 17 games.

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Palmer hasn't scored since JanuaryMaresca blamed for over-coaching talented youngsterAvoid repetition of the same words & topicsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

Palmer's worrying form showed no signs of turning at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. The 21-year-old was regularly caught in possession, and failed to influence the game as Chelsea suffered through a laboured second-half performance.

AdvertisementWHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

The watching public made their feelings about the display know on X. @TheKopWatch said: "Cole Palmer is getting the Jack Grealish treatment at Chelsea. He’s just an average robot now because he’s over coached. Modern football 😴"

And user @leecarty8 posted: "Have we all been catfished a bit by Cole Palmer?"

Another poster, @ElSaminou added: "Cole Palmer i don’t know what to tell him. Chelsea should probably sell him next season."

@fullback03 said: "The Cole Palmer drop off is frightening. I think he might actually be holding chelsea back here. Slow, poor touches and can’t pick a pass either. What happened to him?"

@CricketRea45554 questioned: "Is Cole Palmer a one season wonder? Still a good player obviously but no where near as good as some people will have you believe"

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Despite Palmer's struggles, Chelsea have laid down a marker for the other players in the race for Champions League qualification. Maresca's men made the most of their early kick-off jumping into fourth place.

AFPWHAT NEXT FOR COLE PALMER?

Despite his issues, you still wouldn't bet against Palmer popping up with a vital goal in the run-in. The Blues have maybe the hardest slate of games remaining, as they take on champions-elect Liverpool, as well as two tricky away trips to Newcastle and Nottingham Forest.