“Going off on a mad tangent” – David James makes shock Cole Palmer claim after Bournemouth draw | OneFootball

Former Premier League goalkeeper David James has made a huge claim about Cole Palmer after Chelsea dropped more points against Bournemouth.

The Blues were held to a goalless draw on the south coast, and have now taken just two points from their last three league matches.

Chelsea remain fourth, but have fallen five points behind Aston Villa in third, and six behind Manchester City in second.

David James makes bold Cole Palmer claim

Enzo Maresca made changes to the side which lost against Leeds, with Palmer handed his first start since 20th September.

Palmer struggled to make an impact on the game, as the Blues offered very little in the way of attacking threat, with Maresca stating they lacked quality in the final third.

Palmer struggled to make an impact against Bournemouth. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

It’s clear Palmer still needs to build up his match fitness, but Chelsea coped well in his absence, however they are a better side when he plays.

Interestingly James has made a bold claim and feels Palmer’s return may have “slightly upset” things in the squad.

“Chelsea proved the other night against Leeds that they are being hamstrung by the amount of bookings and red cards they’re getting,” he told Stadium Astro.

“They don’t need that. I don’t know whether, just going off on a mad tangent here, the reintroduction of Cole Palmer into the squad has slightly upset things.

“But they should have beat Arsenal and may have done if it wasn’t for those disciplinary issues.”

Chelsea set to be without Liam Delap again

Whilst Palmer continues to build his fitness, Chelsea suffered another setback with Liam Delap going off with a shoulder injury.

More Stories / Latest News

“Going off on a mad tangent” – David James makes shock Cole Palmer claim after Bournemouth draw

7th Dec 2025, 01:30pm

Reece James’ Arsenal performances unlocks new options for Enzo Maresca

7th Dec 2025, 01:25pm

Report: Three Champions League clubs join race for forgotten €44.5m Chelsea ace

7th Dec 2025, 01:00pm

Delap has already spent over two months out with a hamstring injury, and Maresca described his latest issue as “not good.”

Chelsea now only have Joao Pedro and Marc Guiu, with both not in the best of form, whilst Pedro Neto could be an option, and it will be interesting to see how Maresca navigates another Delap absence.